The Infield

The Infield on Kentucky Oaks and Derby Days compares only to Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, pairing the legacy and history of the Kentucky Derby with that famous all-out party atmosphere. Every year approximately 80,000 revelers pack the infield, hoping to catch a glimpse of the next Derby winner (or just an actual horse), to re-unite with old friends, "party maximus" and to have the experience of a lifetime.  (Many Facebook photos to collect here!) 

Traditionally, the infield offers two perspectives and two experiences:  the third turn party, where the young and the young at heart indulge in all things fun, free wheeling and, sometimes, a little frisky.  If you visit the third turn and participate in its madcap antics on Derby weekend, take lots of pictures but think twice about showing them to dear old Mom and Dad!

On the opposite end, the grassy first turn offers a more sedate, family-like picnic setting that’s G-rated and great for all ages.  If you’re bringing kids to the infield, this is the place to go – just keep an eye on them.

In between these two encampments lies a vast sea of people with territories roped off, beverages in hand and people-watching skills at the ready. As the center of the Derby's famed "acceptable excess" the infield is a kingdom unto itself, and no matter which infield experience you choose, it's bound to be a memorable one. At the Infield Experience, anything goes !