LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Churchill Downs is spotlighting the Louisville community Tuesday on what is now known as 502'sDay.

It's the third year for 502'sDay -- and the perfect time for local residents to take in the sights and sounds of the track during Derby week. General Admission tickets on 502'sDay sell for $5, making it an affordable outing for practically everyone. 

The special focus this year is on Louisville's own Muhammad Ali, "whose unwavering pride and profound love for Louisville mirror our community's spirit," according to Churchill Downs' website. 

We caught up with a group of Louisville natives near the paddock "having lots of fun, eating lots of food, drinking lots of drinks and making great memories," said Pam Scanlon, who was there with Pam Williams. 

Williams said she lives "in Tennessee part of the time now, but I'm here quite a bit. This is our third year in a row coming, and we've made it an annual event."

Scanlon said the crowds have grown since their first 502'sDay. "Each day we get pushed back a little bit farther, and it's not so crowded, but I think it's going to be more crowded this year."

"We love coming to Churchill Downs," said Joe Morris, another member in the group. "I used to work here. I was the first person that helped put the lights on the Twin Spires, when I was an electrician working here." 

Churchill Downs is spotlighting the Louisville community Tuesday on what is now known as 502'sDay.

Betty Dennis and her husband, Joe, were also soaking up the atmosphere. "We're just having fun," Joe Dennis said. "It's 502'sDay, and this is our day."

A day of fun with the promise of good fortune. "It's always fun," Betty Dennis said. "We bet the horses -- hopefully we win some money."

Of course there will be a few adult beverages involved, Betty Dennis said, adding they plan to have "lots of drinks! We're not driving, so lots of drinks!"

502'sDay this year featured several special activities as part of Churchill Downs' tribute to Muhammad Ali, including a "Float Like a Butterfly" live art project with local artist Braylyn Stewart helping attendees create a collaborative mural celebrating Ali's legacy. 

A "Shop Local" fashion show was also scheduled between races 7 and 8 at a boxing ring on the second floor of the Paddock Terrace, as well as a Muhammad Ali trivia contest. 

More Local News:

Judge lowers bond for Louisville woman charged after ex-boyfriend's fatal shooting

Derby Pie legacy lives on as owner's children run the family business in Louisville

Louisville woman calls for safety changes after car goes airborne, crashes outside her home

Mother and son from Georgetown, Kentucky, win record $167.3 million Powerball jackpot

Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All rights reserved.