Security at the Kentucky Derby has been extremely strict the last four years, and this year is no exception. The only change this year is patrons can bring in seat cushions through all entrances. This is for cushions with no backs only, so no stadium seats.
If you are attending, read the list of allowed items below very carefully so you won't have anything confiscated. Some items are only allowed in the infield, such as blankets, and coolers, bottles, and backpacks are not allowed anywhere. There will once again be a "general store" set up in the infield near the tunnels from the grandstand to allow you to purchase food, drink, coolers, and other items that you can't bring in with you. Remember that no bottles includes sunscreen, so make sure you bring a tube or individual packets if you don't want to have to buy any.
Security will be very visible with personnel from many different law enforcement and government agencies working the event. Expect to have anything you bring in searched and to be wanded as you enter to prevent any weapons from being brought in.
Security procedures and policies for the 2006 Kentucky Derby and Oaks include:
Magnetic wand searches of patrons at all track entrance gates
Limits on carry-in items for patrons and employees
Visibility of security personnel in all areas of the track
Placement of barriers outside the track's admission gates
Security sweeps of vehicles (buses, limousines and vendor vehicles that enter the track)
Vehicles parked in all Churchill Downs lots are subject to search.
Items that may be carried by patrons through all admission gates at Churchill Downs unless otherwise noted include:
Food items in clear plastic bags, limit two per person (maximum size 18"x 18," no trash bags)
"Box" lunches if packaged in clear plastic bags or plastic containers, limit two per person (maximum size 18"x 18," no trash bags)
Cellular telephones, cameras, and camcorders
Small personal music systems, radios, and televisions, no "boom boxes"
Binoculars
Purses and baby bags (all subject to search)
Strollers (only if carrying a child--no other items allowed)
Seat cushions (no backs)
Chairs (Gate 3 only)
Blankets (Gates 1 and 3 for infield use only)
Tarpaulins (Gates 1 and 3 for infield use only)
Items that may not be carried into the track on Derby and Oaks Days include:
Weapons of any kind (including all knives and scissors)
Bottles and cans of any kind (includes all beverage and lotion containers--glass, plastic, or metal)
Alcoholic beverages
Thermoses
Coolers
Grills
Backpacks, luggage and duffel bags
Wagons
Umbrellas
Triple Crown quick links:
2010 Kentucky Derby Contenders - It's that time again! Here is my first list of early Derby contenders with photos and profiles. I will update this as needed, so expect a lot of changes between now and May 1st.
Experimental Free Handicap - Ranks the top 2-year-olds for 2009 and determines the dual qualifiers for the 2010 Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager - There will again be three future wager pools for the Derby on February 12-14, March 5-7, and March 26-28. There will be a single pool for the Oaks on March 5-7.
Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs. A great new DVD with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
Fillies in the Kentucky Derby - a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
2006 Kentucky Derby Security
