Kentucky Derby

I am going to be going to the KY Derby for the first time. We are not in the infield, but we do have seats in the general seating section. What do I wear?? Do they still wear hats and dresses in this section? What should my boyfriend wear?

Kentucky Derby

You will see everything from jeans and shorts to dresses and suits. Most people enjoy the dress-up part of derby so if you want to go for the hat and dress, you will be in like company. Depending on the weather, I would say slacks and a button down for your boyfriend. Have a blast!

Kentucky Derby

We%26#39;ll be in section 128 (bleachers) and I%26#39;ll be in a dress and hat, albeit a comfortable dress since bleachers aren%26#39;t the comfiest seating in the world. My husband will be in a seersucker suit but your boyfriend could probably be fine in slacks and a polo. We went last year and most of the people were dressed up. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Thanks for the information! We are also going to the Oaks....is the dress the same?

We did the Oaks last year as well. I wore pants and a nice top and I plan to wear the same thing this year. Some people were dressy; others were a little more casual so you could go either way. Hats were still the norm on Oaks day too.

Definitely a fun and/or pretty hat will help you fit in anywhere at Churchill Downs. The infield is down and dirty, the general seating is just a step up from that and I would recommend comfort as well as style. A comforatable maxi dress with flats or very low heels with a great hat would be perfect! Make sure you bring a purse that either goes over your shoulder or has a wrist attachment. A clutch gets cumbersome as you try to handle beer and the betting windows! LOL!

Boyfriend - nice jeans or khaki pants with a nice polo or button up shirt. Keep an eye on the weather, he may need a jacket as well.

They are really strict about no umbrellas and such. Here is a list of items that are allowed.

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)

Forgot - Here%26#39;s a list of items not allowed:

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 (includes briefcases), and duffel

bags

Wagons

Umbrellas

Wow! Thanks for all of the information. It really helps a log! Okay so an updated on the seats we have...for the Oaks we are in the club house and the Derby we are in the bleachers. Dress for men and women the same for both? I%26#39;m assuming club house is a little nicer?

Clubhouse is a little nicer, so is Oaks (in my opinion). I would say low heel and a sundress for you / boyfriend khakis and button up with loafers for the clubhouse on Friday, Maxi dress with flats for you / boyfriend khakis and a polo with nice sneakers for Saturday in the stands would be perfect.

Hope you have a blast! Make sure to hit the Highlands for great food %26amp; pubs!

Certain floors of the Clubhouse require a tie for men. Third floor a tie is not required (although most men will have one on for Oaks %26amp; Derby). If you are unsure, you might want to have him carry one in his pocket...just in case.