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Derby, Oaks advance ticket prices remain the same; walk-up prices increase by Brisnet.com There will be no change in the price of general admission tickets for the 138th runnings of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks if tickets are purchased online and in advance of those events, but the ticket price will be higher for walk-up purchases at admission gates on those respective days. Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks general admission and tickets and seating for all racing dates and special events scheduled for the historic track's April 28-July 1 spring meet are available for purchase through Churchill Downs' online box office. The special event roster includes the spectacular "Opening Night" celebration on April 28; three more "Downs After Dark" night racing sessions, including the first running of the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap under the lights on June 16; the third annual "Taste of Derby" party on May 3; and the return of Mother's Day dining beneath the Twin Spires on May 13. The general admission price for the Kentucky Derby on May 5 will remain at $40 for tickets purchased in advance either through the online box office or at the track's Gate 1 box office, which is scheduled to open in mid-April. Kentucky Oaks general admission will remain at $25 for advance purchase either through the online box office or at Gate 1. A special low convenience fee of $1 will be assessed on each advance general admission ticket purchased at either location. The convenience fee for reserved seating for both events is $5 per ticket. The walk-up price for a general admission ticket to the Kentucky Derby on Derby Day will be $50, an increase of $10 from 2011. General admission tickets to the Kentucky Oaks purchased at any of the track's gates on May 4 will cost $30, an increase of $5 from last year. The increase in price for day-of-event walk-up purchases for general admission to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks is the first for either event since a $5 increase for both in 2001. Fans still looking for a seat at Churchill for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks rather than the "standing room only" status provided by general admission tickets can still purchase Infield Club seating for both days at the online box office. That ticket includes a reserved seat for both days in sections 124 or 125 with on-site hospitality and food provided in the Infield Club. The 2012 spring meet at Churchill Downs will open under the lights with the "Opening Night" program that launches the 39-day racing session, including Kentucky Derby Week. The first "Opening Night" attracted 38,142 fans a year ago -- a record night racing crowd and the largest attendance in track history for a racing session other than a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or a visit by the Breeders' Cup. The $200,000 Derby Trial, a Grade 3 event that is the final major prep for the Kentucky Derby, is the featured racing attraction. Three "Downs After Dark" night racing events are scheduled during the second half of the meet and, for the first time, all will be conducted on Saturday evenings and include stakes races among their highlights. The 2012 "Downs After Dark" dates include:
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