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"The Thoroughbred" | Newsletter Sign Up | In the News
Churchill Downs offers customized Derby packages
BY LISA BERNARD-KUHN
With the countdown to the Kentucky Derby in full swing, there's still some good news for last-minute party planners.
This year Churchill Downs has teamed with Atlanta-based Quint Events to offer a variety of travel packages that include tickets to the Derby on Saturday and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, hotel accommodations, transportation around Louisville and all the food and drink you can stuff yourself with while placing your race-day bets.
From CEOs looking to impress prospective clients to couples looking for a reason to get out of town - the packages can be customized to fit specific needs and are "guaranteed by Churchill Downs," said Brian Learst, president of Quint Events.
Here's the catch. Depending on how highfalutin your Derby desires are, prices for these tickets will likely have you digging deep into your pockets.
Individual packages begin at $979, and although you'll be guaranteed a decent seat with quick access to mint juleps and your favorite grub, you'll be expected to pay extra for travel and hotel accommodations.
Looking for more? The next step up is a $1,499 package that will land you a box seat, hotel accommodations and transportation to and from Churchill Downs.
If that's still not enough, prepare to lay down the big bills.
Clubhouse tickets begin at $4,999 per ticket, and in addition to hotel and transportation, the package includes a full spread of gourmet eats and a premium bar.
Cough up even more dough and you can mingle with the celebrities along Millionaires' Row where tickets begin at $8,999 each - and include nearly every accommodation, except a stylish Derby-day hat.
"There's so many different levels to the Derby experience," said Tom Schneider, vice president of guest services at Churchill Downs. "Whether you're in the infield, sitting in Millionaire's row or in the clubhouse suites, everyone who comes out has a special place in their heart for the Derby."
One the largest horse-racing events in the nation, each year the Kentucky Derby draws roughly 156,000 to Churchill Downs.
And even though the remaining packages' prices may be hard to swallow, Schneider said roughly 75 percent have been sold.
"There's a lot of comfort in knowing that you're buying directly from the source," he said , adding that the onslaught of third-party ticket brokers and online Web sites has opened the door for scammers looking to make a quick buck off of eager Derby-goers.
"If I had nickel for everyone I see in the front lobby every year because their tickets are not what they expected, I'd be a wealthy man," he said. "It happens all too often, but people are dealing with Churchill when they deal with this program."
To buy tickets, visit www.quintevents.com.
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Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Oaks®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated®.
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