Potential Data Error Delays Wednesday's Online Sale of Kentucky Derby, Oaks Tickets

Dec 16, 2009 Darren Rogers

In an effort to respectfully serve its customers, Churchill Downs has decided to delay a scheduled online sale of two-day Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks ticket packages due to a potential data error with its new online box office, http://tickets.churchilldowns.com. The online sale had been scheduled to commence Wednesday (Dec. 16) at noon EST.

“Churchill Downs regrets having to make this late announcement of a delay, but the customer experience comes first,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “While exhaustively testing our online ticketing system, we detected a potential data error that could have resulted in customer service issues for some patrons. We regret any inconvenience, but the best way to serve all patrons is to delay the online offering, address the potential data error and offer these limited tickets at a later date.  We will announce the new date as soon as possible.”

A total of 3,000 seats were allocated for the online exclusive and included:

• Third-floor clubhouse box seats in sections 312-314 and access to the Secretariat Lounge, an exclusive, upscale, indoor hospitality area that will feature premium gourmet food, an open bar, televisions, betting kiosks and live music between races (50 boxes or 300 seats which range from $6,132-$6,390 per six-seat box);
• First-floor clubhouse box seats in section 111 (166 boxes or 996 seats which cost $1,500 per six-seat box);
• Second-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 222-225 (300 seats which range from $214-$225 per seat);
• and First-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 121-128 (1,404 seats which range from $172-$207 per seat).