LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Racing is back at Churchill Downs for 502'sDay, it's a day dedicated to representing Louisville and the locals.
Folks were excited to see the newly redesigned Paddock for the first time. Many of them saying they wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for the discounted admission.
The low fare event wasn't always on a Tuesday. Previously, the discounted event was held on Oaks Day and Thurby.
That has since changed and is currently 502'sDay where just for $5 anyone can get a taste of the experience.
with admission at just five dollars it gives many the chance to have a personal Derby experience.
"We've always prided ourselves in offering different experiences for different touch points," Churchill Downs spokesperson Darren Rogers said. "The Derby has become such an international event. I mean it's a top ten bucket list event."
Rogers said the track wanted to give locals a less crowded experience to enjoy the festivities by changing the day.
"Kentucky Oaks Day attendance was around 50,000 people," Rogers said. "People often called it Louisville's day at the races. Oaks Day has grown to become over 100,000. We created Thurby and Thurby has now attracted close to 60,000 people."
For Louisville resident Angel Chichester, it's an opportunity to bring her nephew Carter Martin for some excitement.
"Keeping it to $5, it allows people who aren't able to come to the track regularly especially during Derby week," Chichester said. "I think it really helps it, definitely helps it to be more local but also reaching a demographic that's not able to make it. You get the same $5 ticket today and it's what? $300 to $500 on Derby day."
This was Chichester's first time seeing the Paddock's redesign as well.
"One day I'll be up there," Chichester said. "Maybe today I'll go up there. We stopped for a little bit and were able to take some pictures in front of the horses. It's really nice, it's a real interesting spot."
Rogers said there are no plans on removing the low cost day in any future Derby celebrations and that they want to consistently keep it on Tuesdays from now on.
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