Louisville residents feel Kentucky Derby tickets far out of reach as infield price hits $130

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Tickets to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby are sold out, but you can still buy tickets from resellers if you're willing to pay the price.

For decades, the cheapest way to take in the Derby experience was to buy a ticket to the infield. However, that option is more expensive than ever at $130 apiece. The prices only get steeper from there. That's why some people we talked to said they simply can't afford it.

The most exciting two minutes in sports is becoming the most expensive two minutes in sports. That's why local folks are beginning to feel that the event is now for the elite only, with some tickets selling for as much as $10,000.

We asked people what they believed to be the cheapest seat in the house and the answers were all over the place, from $250 to $500 to $1,000.

After finding out this year's prices, one person had this to say: "Oh my gosh! I guess we'll skip it this year."

For those who plan to be there no matter what, tickets are still available from the usual resellers. Some prices we found: $1,000 for the First Turn Club and about $1,200 for the cheapest grandstand seat.

For $1,000, you can also walk around the all-inclusive area but you don't get a seat.

Clubs and boxes are quite a bit pricier, as 91-year-old Kentucky native Earl Puckett — who has attended more Derbys than he can remember — knows all too well. But he may have seen his last one in person because he said it's just too expensive and believes he's not the only one who feels that way.

"Local people can't afford it, but 80% of people come from other states to go to the Kentucky Derby," Puckett said.

Janice moved to Louisville a few years ago but has never been to the track for the big race.

"I've lived here for six years and never have seen the Derby," she said, adding that it's all because of the cost.

A recent Churchill Downs investor report indicates nearly 72% of Derby-goers make more than six figures a year. And because of rising ticket prices, some Derby traditions — and local fans — have gone away.

"All you have is people heading in and heading out," said Ron, a season ticket holder. "It was nothing like it was in the 90s."

Duke, who lives on Central Avenue, said the price increases are insane.

"His box went up 41%," Duke said. "... I can see an increase, but that's just ludicrous. That's just crazy."

Tickets from resellers can still be found on sites like StubHub as well as Ticketmaster, but brace yourself: The asking price for tickets on Ticketmaster's are ranging from $5,800 to $8,500 and even higher depending on the location and whether or not it's all-inclusive.

WDRB will have Derby Day coverage beginning at 6 a.m. on air and online. CLICK HERE to visit our page for all things Derby.

Related Stories: