Churchill Downs releases bag policy, security information for Kentucky Derby week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs released security information and bag policy for the 150th Kentucky Derby.

Everyone visiting the historic horse racing track in Louisville during Derby week will go through metal detector scans before entering admission gates. People are encouraged to arrive early to accommodate the search procedures.

Guests will also be required to return any prohibited items to their vehicles or discard them before entering Churchill Downs. There is no re-entry after exiting the facility.

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People are reminded to call 502-636-4526 if they see something unusual.

Churchill Downs will enforce a strict bag policy from Saturday, April 27, through Derby Day on May 4. Each guest is permitted one bag that isn't larger than 12" x 6" x 12".

Prohibited items include:

Air Horns
Alcoholic beverages
Backpacks
Bags larger than 12" x 6" x 12"
Balloons and inflatables
Balls
Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6” or larger
Canopies
Cans (any size or type)
Collapsible Chairs (Please see below exceptions for Infield Gate Only)
Collapsible Chairs without canopies
Confetti
Coolers
Chains
Duffel Bags
Drones and remote controlled aircraft
Firearms
Fireworks
Food (Opening Night -- Thurby) *see below exceptions
Frisbees
Glass Bottles or containers
Grills
Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
Illegal Substances
Knives
Laser lights/pointers
Luggage
Mace
Noise Makers
Pepper Spray
Personal music players without head-phones
Pets, except for trained service animals
Poles or sticks of any size
Portable speakers/sound systems
Projectile Items
Seat Cushions that are larger than 15" X 15" that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
Selfie Sticks
Tents
Thermoses
Tripods
Umbrellas of any size
Wagons
Weapons of any kind
Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate

Baby bag and diaper bags, if accompanied by a child, are allowed in the frontside gates. Strollers are also allowed if accompanied by a child.

Churchill Downs said guests with specific dietary needs or restrictions may bring boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size. Boxed lunches or food items must fit in the guest's bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag.

There are some exceptions allowed in the infield gate, including:

Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12" X 6" X 12"). Boxed lunches or food items must fit in the guest's bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag (no trash bags). Guests are restricted to one bag only – additional bags for food will not be permitted.
Bottled water that is in a sealed, clear and unopened plastic bottle- limit of two 24 oz. bottles per person
Collapsible camping chairs without canopies (must be removed from bag during search)
Tarpaulins ("Tarps") and Picnic Blankets that are smaller than 10’ x 10’. Once inside the gate, tarps may not be secured to the infield fence or any other permanent structure.