Lure asks about 1st time Kentucky Derby

[lure]

Any tips for a few guys going to the Derby this year for the first time? Staying in CINN and going to Reds game Friday night, then heading for Louisville Saturday for Derby Day. We bought 3 infield tickets so we know to be prepared not to see much racing other than the big screens. Any parking tips or anything else for a few first timers?

[spiderjohn]

I assume that you are staying downtown by the stadium— close by the hip restaurant is Sotto— you might be able to get in before the game.
Over the Rhine is where it is happening just north of downtown. You might try there before or after the game and Saturday night. Pepp and Delores of Abigail Street for reasonable eats— Ghost Baby bar if you can find it and get in……

Maybe go online and buy a parking space somewhere close to the track to guarantee a good spot. As for the infield, enjoy yourself and find a shady spot(maybe wear a hat). Be very careful with mint juleps.

Save a few $$ to Bet Bo Cruz in the 7f Churchill Downs Handicap

Make it a great very enjoyable day—c u there
Any uic meetup places/times?

[ozzy]

Not sure who will be attending nor what to expect with the new setup but I’ll be in my usual spot in the paddock, only this year I’ll be on site starting Opening Night and there the entire week…. Unsure I’ll have the escort ability I’ve had in years past, or even if the new configuration will allow for a simple hello, but if anyone is around, be sure to try to say hello.

As for tips, parking in yards near the track is fine honestly. Prepare to walk…. A lot.  I guess a mint julep is a must for a first timer but this will my be 29th consecutive and I am confident I’ve yet to consume one although that’s probably a good thing as I am sure CD would frown upon that.

[lure]

Apr 21, 2024 20:07:28 GMT -5 spiderjohn said:

I assume that you are staying downtown by the stadium— close by the hip restaurant is Sotto— you might be able to get in before the game.
Over the Rhine is where it is happening just north of downtown. You might try there before or after the game and Saturday night. Pepp and Delores of Abigail Street for reasonable eats— Ghost Baby bar if you can find it and get in……

Maybe go online and buy a parking space somewhere close to the track to guarantee a good spot. As for the infield, enjoy yourself and find a shady spot(maybe wear a hat). Be very careful with mint juleps.

Save a few $$ to Bet Bo Cruz in the 7f Churchill Downs Handicap

Make it a great very enjoyable day—c u there
Any uic meetup places/times?

Yes. Staying close to the Reds ballpark downtown. Tried Sotto. All booked Friday no luck. Their sister Mexican place has openings but being from So Cal, we are good on Mex. As far as the Derby, I guess we try somebodies front yard or the Football stadium for parking. Still trying to figure out the best time to arrive in Louisville on Saturday. Thanks for the tips. Lure

[spiderjohn]

Sotto is always booked—the toughest reservation in town. Maybe walk in when they open and eat at the bar….nada(Mexican is on the corner and ok—Boca is pricey but very good(upstairs of sotto). Mita is popular and close. Over the rhine is close and walkable and where the action will be. Via Vite is decent Italian on fountain square.

I went online and booked a parking spot block and half from CD

[lure]

Thanks Spider. We are staying at Embassy Suites which supposedly is walking distance to the Reds game. Is Sotto and Boca walking from the ballpark? Also, could you send me the link to buy parking? Lure

[spiderjohn]

I went on eBay and bought a spot $85. Pricey but it worked very well last year. Buy pay and print out the “pass” and directions, then put the address in your phone or gps. You might want to get there fairly early.

[lure]

From this guy?  ararnett1

[spiderjohn]

Yes
Not where I parked last year, I don’t think….
But it worked well last year

Your hotel is on the river—you might want to try the banks on the Covington side for nightlife if you want to stay very close

[shoes]

The Great American ballpark (Reds- if they still call it that), is a great place to watch a game.

[lure]

Apr 22, 2024 18:17:26 GMT -5 spiderjohn said:

Yes
Not where I parked last year, I don’t think….
But it worked well last year

Your hotel is on the river—you might want to try the banks on the Covington side for nightlife if you want to stay very close

Ok, just bought the parking from your same guy! Maybe we tailgate. I noticed another seller asking $120 offered cocktails and the best burger in town! Anyway, we may settle for Skyline Chili at the ball park! Thanks for the tip Spider. Bought 3 Ponchos and had 3 bag chairs sent to our hotel. I think we are all set. Riders up!

[lure]

Apr 22, 2024 18:17:26 GMT -5 spiderjohn said:

Yes
Not where I parked last year, I don’t think….
But it worked well last year

Your hotel is on the river—you might want to try the banks on the Covington side for nightlife if you want to stay very close

Hi Spider

Did you receive the details and address of your parking spot? My receipt says I will receive the info by May 2nd?

[spiderjohn]

No worries
It should all be fine by next weekend…..
Pretty normal

[spiderjohn]

Lure—hoping that you received an email from the parking spot
Very similar to where I parked last year—might be the same place
If so, getting to it is interesting but it worked

[lure]

Hi Spider

I have not received the email with the location. I printed my ebay confirmation with the order #. Maybe you could send me the location pm style just in case?

[spiderjohn]

Can do
Text—email
??

[lure]

Spider-sent you a pm on UIC with my info. Lure

[lure]

Hi Spider. Any chance of getting the parking address? The seller has still not sent me the info and I start my trip tomorrow. Lure

[lure]

All set. Got the parking location. Now all I need is a single in the p4 leading up to the Derby! Good luck to all. Lure

[1hooper]

Enjoy the day.
Photos if possible.