LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the first time, Churchill Downs will give general admission access to the Infield on Thurby. It is part of a new attraction and being called "a celebration of music and Kentucky bourbon."
Track officials said the infield will play host to a musical performance by Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats on Thurby.
”They are a soulful rock ‘n’ roll band,” said Tonya Abeln, vice presiden of corporate communications at Churchill Downs. ”They’re not from Kentucky but they encompass that unbridled spirit of Kentuckians. And so they’re the perfect addition to Thurby to sort of kick off what is an unbelievable weekend experience for those of us in Louisville, Kentucky.”
Thurby is the name given to the races that take place on the Thursday of Derby week. It has become a popular race day for locals to attend before the worldwide attendance of Oaks and Derby.
"We couldn't be more excited to expand our Derby Week entertainment with this infield music experience on Thurby," Mike Anderson, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, said in a statement. "As a day that has come to be celebrated as Kentucky's Day, we're confident this event will capture the interest of multiple generations and provide another way to make memories with friends and family leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats bring the ideal energy to kick off this new tradition with a sound that captures the spirit of Thurby."
Churchill Downs describes Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats as "one of the most recognizable new forces in contemporary rock 'n' roll whose mix of soul and rock quickly cemented them as a rare generational band who balanced ecstatic live shows and engrossing and rich records."
After two years of pandemic problems and limitations, there’s already a lot of excitement about Derby 2022. “Derby week for us is like, put your skates on, get ready, from Monday through Sunday, we‘re just having an absolute ball,” said Treva Donnell, who is attending Thurby, Oaks and Derby. “It’s a time where you just enjoy Churchill Downs without a whole lot of hoopla, but I tell my guests, this is Derby, so dress like Derby, look like Derby, be prepared to have fun like Derby.”
Gates will open for Thurby on Thursday, May 5, at 11 a.m., with the first race scheduled for 12:45 p.m. General admission tickets start at $29 and can by purchased by clicking here. All ticket levels for Thurby will have access to the infield music experience. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats will take the stage in the afternoon and entertain infield guests between races.
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