What can you bring to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and what isn’t allowed?
It’s Kentucky Derby week and Louisville officials have shared the city’s security plan for the roughly 155,000 people expected to attend the event this year.
Here’s what to know about security and safety procedures the city and Churchill Downs have in place if you’re planning to attend Saturday’s big race.
Public safety is a ‘priority’
The Louisville Metro Police Department held a Kentucky Derby safety briefing Tuesday to discuss what patrons should know leading up to Saturday’s event.
Officials are encouraging patrons to have a ‘personal safety plan.’ In such a plan, officials recommend you refresh yourself with all the exit and shelter locations, know your way around the facility and have a meet-up place for your group.
Be sure to also refresh yourself on all the road closures ahead of attending.
Two streets are closed all day Wednesday through Saturday: Fourth Street starting at Haywood Avenue going to Oakdale Avenue, and Oakdale Avenue starting at Fourth Street to the alley at the backside gate of Churchill Downs.
There are 21 other road restrictions in place Wednesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.,which can be found on Louisville’s website.
You should also pay attention to any “no parking” signs. The LMPD says it will strictly enforce parking rules this week, as illegal parking can impede the flow of traffic and delay emergency response times.
Emergency medical services personnel will be onsite at Churchill Downs, as well as 50 Louisville Division of Fire personnel, 45 of which are fire suppression workers. The fire department will have a presence to respond to fire alarms, emergency incidents and assist EMS when needed. There will also be about eight fire trucks onsite.
Assistant Police Chief Steve Healey said with big events like the Derby, human trafficking becomes a major concern. If you see something alarming, Healey said to report it to officials right away.
You can also call 502-636-4526 to report anything unusual. To keep up to date with any emergency notifications this week, text “DERBY” to 67283.
Don’t bring these items to Churchill Downs
All 2023 Kentucky Derby attendees have to go through a metal detector prior to entry and can only bring one bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. If any attendee has a prohibited item, they will be required to leave them at the entrance or return them to their vehicle. There is no clear bag policy.
Once you leave the facility, you can not re-enter on the same ticket.
Prohibited items Saturday slightly differ from the usual list of banned items at Churchill Downs. Here are some of them, from Kentucky Derby’s website:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Large bags
- Unapproved banners and signs
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Canopies and tents
- Cans
- Glass bottles
- Containers
- Fireworks
- Noise makers
- Air horns
- Laser lights/pointers
- Mace/pepper spray
- Selfie sticks
- Tripods
- Umbrellas
- Wagons
- Weapons
To see the full list, visit Kentucky Derby’s website.
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