Churchill Downs Strengthens Security Policies for Derby/Oaks

[Alan07]

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Thursday, April 18, 2013) – Churchill Downs Racetrack (“CDRT”) will strengthen security and hospitality policies and expand screenings for patrons, employees and vendors who will enter the track for the 139th runnings of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (Grade I) on Saturday, May 4, and the Kentucky Oaks (GI) on Friday, May 3.

Additions to the list of items banned for carry-in to Churchill Downs in the revised Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks security and hospitality polices include:


*Coolers – Removed from the list on banned items in 2009, coolers will no longer be permitted for carry-in to the infield. Styrofoam coolers and ice will be available at infield purchase points.

*Camcorders, tripods and video equipment;

*Cameras with detachable lenses, cameras equipped with lenses more than six inches in length, and tripods of any kind.

*Purses must be 12 inches or less in any dimension;

*Cans of any kind and size;

*Fireworks, laser lights, pointers, mace/pepper spray,
noisemakers and air horns.

http://www.churchilldowns.com/news/a...tucky-derby-an

[Clip-Clop]

No cans, no coolers.

That will make the infield less fun for sure.
Safer no doubt, but less fun.

Kegasus can save them!!!

[Danzig]

clip, they'll still have fun. it'll just cost more.

i wonder what they'll do with the confiscated items, because people will show up with all that banned stuff.

tony and i were in disney last year, laughing at all the people with bags trying to go thru the 'no bag' lines at the gates. it's soooo hard to read signage.

[Thunder Gulch]

They haven't allowed you to take beer in ever, so banning cans only means you'll have to pay more for cokes and water. That infield store idea wasn't bad, but now they've committed that space to the "infield club". Net effect is the people already crammed into the green space are going to be even tighter.

[BigBlue]

My understanding is that there will not be an "Infield Club" this year. Too bad, because we've enjoyed it over the last few years.

[3kings]

Originally Posted by BigBlue

My understanding is that there will not be an "Infield Club" this year. Too bad, because we've enjoyed it over the last few years.

How was the attendance in the club? Upon passing it over the last couple of years it seemed to be not very crowded, not as profitable as they hoped. They think they have an idea to use that space to make it more profitable.

[Thunder Gulch]

Originally Posted by 3kings

How was the attendance in the club? Upon passing it over the last couple of years it seemed to be not very crowded, not as profitable as they hoped. They think they have an idea to use that space to make it more profitable.

Was a total cash grab. Took space away from infield regulars who were dropping their $50 regardless. Couldn't see anything but a screen over there, right?

[ghartman02]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

They haven't allowed you to take beer in ever, so banning cans only means you'll have to pay more for cokes and water. That infield store idea wasn't bad, but now they've committed that space to the "infield club". Net effect is the people already crammed into the green space are going to be even tighter.

I think the infield club is gone, it has been moved to the first turn of the clubhouse where you can purchase a ticket and have a buffet and drinks. I think I saw a diagram where the Infield Club was, it is replaced by a fan zone. I don't have any details but thought I'd let you know.

[Thunder Gulch]

Originally Posted by ghartman02

I think the infield club is gone, it has been moved to the first turn of the clubhouse where you can purchase a ticket and have a buffet and drinks. I think I saw a diagram where the Infield Club was, it is replaced by a fan zone. I don't have any details but thought I'd let you know.

They created a section on the grandstand side of the first turn to take it's place. I have some friends who might come out ahead on the $500 tickets with all you can eat and drink, but personally I'd rather pay my $100 or so and shove $400 through the window...ok, maybe $150/$350 if juleps are still going up over $12 a pop.

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by Thunder Gulch

They created a section on the grandstand side of the first turn to take it's place. I have some friends who might come out ahead on the $500 tickets with all you can eat and drink, but personally I'd rather pay my $100 or so and shove $400 through the window...ok, maybe $150/$350 if juleps are still going up over $12 a pop.

Mmmmmmmm, juleps

[BigBlue]

Originally Posted by 3kings

How was the attendance in the club? Upon passing it over the last couple of years it seemed to be not very crowded, not as profitable as they hoped. They think they have an idea to use that space to make it more profitable.

3K,

The club did seem to fill up but never felt crowded. I liked it for a few reasons.

I'd rather have a six seat box for the weekend but we don't. Instead, we're in the grandstand. The tent provided a nice place to go, sit undercover and watch most of the race day. For the big races of the day, we would go back to our seats and watch live - but for the rest of the day the tent was great. Wagering/drink/bathroom lines were all shorter. Bathrooms were clean. Had your own table to sit down and study the races. Big screens to watch the action. The food wasn't that great but it was ok.

We're back in the grandstands this year but without the tent. Considered the new section that they're promoting on the clubhouse turn but worried that we wouldn't be able to see the whole race. Several years ago, we had a box down there but there was no big screen. Saw the horses go by once and then had no idea what happened the rest of the time. It was terrible. Could not get any confirmation that they had that situation resolved for this year - I hope they do. If they don't, there could be a lot of people sitting in nice stadium seating, getting free food and drink and watching .... nothing for most of the weekend.

It may be a great spot but too many unknowns to try it this year. Maybe next year if I learn the "race watching" issue is not a problem.