'Thurby' crowd turns out in colorful fashions as Kentucky Derby week ramps up

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- "Thurby" officially kicked off Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs.

The tradition of heading to the track on Thursday started many years ago, as the pomp, popularity and pink-out of Kentucky Oaks Day grew.

Martina Taylor Campbell came to Louisville from Washington, D.C. with friends who live here to take in Thurby.

"They said if you're from Kentucky this is the day to be here, so that's why we came here for today," she said.

Taylor Campbell said she loved taking in the outfits, hats, and seeing what makes this day so special for Louisville.

"This is amazing. I love it. This is so cool. Back home we have the Preakness and I don't think it's anything like this," she said.

Chris Lowber is a math teacher at duPont Manual High School in Louisville who said his students help create his giant Thurby hat.

"Just trying to enjoy the local festivities, get into the spirit, had the students do a lot of the artwork, help me assemble it, put it together, in homage to the Twin Spires," Lowber said.

Thurby hat features Twin Spires — JCPS teacher Chris Lowber said his students help him create this hat for Thurby. He said they contributed to the artwork and putting the piece together. (WDRB Image)

Churchill Downs promotes Thurby as celebrating the heart of Kentucky's culture, bringing together bourbon, Bluegrass, and thoroughbred racing. For more details about Thurby, click here.

"Thurby you know, we celebrate all things Kentucky. The finest things: horse racing, bourbon, blue grass music," said Churchill Downs spokesperson Darren Rogers.

"We started this in 2014 and back then the attendance of Thurby was in the neighborhood of, you know, just shy of 25,000. And so, over the last decade we've been able to grow Thurby and it's double the size that it used to be," Rogers said. Last year's crowd for Thurby was 54,000.

With the christening of the new $200 million Paddock, Thurby is less of an infield festival and more of a frontside experience.

Enthusiastic crowds were bolstered by the sunny weather and warm temperatures. Women showed up in colorful dresses with hats and fascinators. Men were also decked out in suits and ties, but with highs in the 80s, guys were also in shorts.

Thurby fashion during Derby Week 150 — Fans came to the track Thursday for Thurby, ahead of Kentucky Derby 150. (WDRB Image)

Rogers said he was keeping an eye on weather for Oaks and Derby, but Churchill Downs is ready for the 150th Kentucky Derby. Rain is likely for Friday, and he said umbrellas are not allowed at the track.

"Just dress accordingly. You know, we're used to inclement weather on Oaks and Derby here in the community. It's rained on Derby Day, about some way, shape or form, or precipitation about 46% of the time. So, just plan accordingly. There's not going to be any rain on our parade, so to speak," Rogers said.

General admission tickets for Thurby were still available for $39 on Ticketmaster, which allows access to the 1st Floor Paddock Viewing Area, First Floor Food & Beverage, First Floor Mutuels, and the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza.

A few reserved seats and the all-inclusive dining options were also available Thursday afternoon.

Thurby parking

Paid parking is available at the Kentucky Expo Center with shuttles that drop-off at the black lot near the Paddock Gate.

There is paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium beginning on Thursday/Thurby. This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs.

Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.

Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.

Guests utilizing ride share should plan to ride a shuttle to the Kentucky Exposition Center for pickup or drop-off.

RideShare for Thurby, Oaks and Derby

Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Be prepared to walk to the track from the stadium lot.

Churchill Downs has gone cashless

Bring your credit or debit card, if you plan to spend money at the track. Churchill Downs has gone cashless except for wagering.

The track is encouraging guests to have a credit card available as all food and beverage is now a cashless service. During the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, guests with frontside access will have an All-Inclusive Experience.

If you need additional information on road closings and prohibited items at the track, check the WDRB Derby Guide. Here's a link.

More Kentucky Derby 150 coverage: