Louisville, KY (WHAS11) - You'll want to take two minutes out of your time studying the Kentucky Derby field to study changes and better your odds at getting out of the gate on the right foot. The world has galloped into Louisville for nearly a century and a half for our biggest day in the sun at Churchill Downs. This year's changes include parking locations, a temporary pedestrian bridge, and gate entry process.
They're racing to put the finishing touches on the track but the most noticeable on the outside is a bright yellow stairway. A temporary pedestrian bridge is in place, designed to speed up shuttle buses and safely usher those who typically park then hoof it along Central Avenue.
“If they cross at 9th Street they'll take the pedestrian bridge which goes up and over the newly constructed Kentucky Derby Drive which runs right through our new parking lot and that will be used for shuttle buses during derby week”, said Churchill Downs GM, Ryan Jordan.
The only other crosswalk for pedestrians is at 3rd Street.
The bridge takes you to a new paddock gate. On the other side of the gate is an addition 100,000 square foot area near the paddock from which derby-goers can celebrate and watch the action at one of the track's most treasured spots.
Guests will go through metal detectors and self-scan their tickets at the paddock and clubhouse gates, a change that's new this year. Those entering at the infield entrance, gate 3 off 4th Street, will check in with the help of track attendants.
“All onsite parking at Churchill Downs will be reserved and that does include drop-offs so, to be able to be on grounds with a vehicle at Churchill Downs, you will need that reserve parking hang tag or that reserved parking permit”, said Katherine Kington North, a track spokesperson. “All other parking will be elsewhere.”
They renovated 50 acres of parking heading into the opening week. Where you can and can't park and how you'll get to and from the track will change during each day of racing through Derby Day. A new parking website lists the daily differences.
But those behind the changes promise that one tradition will not change.
“We know people love their neighborhood parking”, said Kington North. “Neighborhood parking is huge and we love it and encourage it and support it, so neighborhood parking is absolutely still available. The only difference is Thurby, Oaks, and Derby. Pedestrians will be crossing at 3rd Street or at 9th Street.”