ADA Seating and Accommodations

ADA Seating and Accommodations

This information may be different from Derby Week- please see ADA accommodations during Derby Week on Kentuckyderby.com.

Information for Persons with Disabilities

Churchill Downs Racetrack provides accommodations for persons with disabilities.  We sincerely hope the information provided here and the accommodations/services will make your visit to the racetrack an enjoyable one.

Drop-off Areas and Parking

On live race days, guests may be dropped off at the following locations:

Proximity to Paddock Gate – guests may be dropped off at the Barbaro auto-court directly in front of the Executive Gate and Kentucky Derby Museum.  ADA parking is in the White Lot on a first come, first served basis.

Vehicles are not permitted to stop or wait for guests. During peak hours, pick up and drop off may be impeded due to heavy congestion and pedestrian flow.

Guests visiting the Kentucky Derby Museum should drop off guests at the Barbaro auto-court directly in front of the Executive Gate and Kentucky Derby Museum.

Please see the travel and parking information for more additional meet specific parking details.

Emergency Evacuation

All ushers and security personnel are trained to assist patrons with disabilities during emergency evacuations.  Additionally, you can find emergency call boxes within exit stairs or adjacent to elevators (follow signage for Areas of Refuge) when elevators are shut down to notify emergency responders of your current location who can assist in evacuation.

Guest Services

For questions or concerns during a race day, please contact the nearest CDRT Representative (i.e., Guest Services Representative, Usher, Ticket Taker, Security Staff, or CDRT Staff) for assistance. You can also text “DERBY” and a description of your question to “69050” to ask a service related question or to report an issue.

Nursing Mother’s Rooms

Nursing mothers may enter Churchill Downs Racetrack with breast pumps and supplies at any gate.  All bags will require additional screening upon entry and will be tagged as a medical bag.  Designated Nursing Mother’s Room locations are as follows:

• Second floor of the Grandstand next to double doors leading to Section 320.
• Second floor of the Clubhouse, a separate room located inside the ladies restroom that is close to the Clubhouse elevators.
• First floor, in the Clubhouse corridor next to First Aid.
• Fifth floor of Jockey Club Suites near the restrooms on the East end.
• In the Infield inside of the First Aid trailer by the Infield tunnel, on Oaks and Derby days only.

Service Animals

Animals are not allowed in Churchill Downs Racetrack; however, an exception is made for patrons with service animals.  Patrons are responsible for the actions of, and for meeting all needs of, their service animals. Service animals shall be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times and shall be housebroken.  An out of control animal may be asked to leave the premises.  Due to the unique nature of the racetrack experience, there are some areas that it is unsafe for guests with service animals to visit, including the Paddock or other areas near the racehorses.  For the safety of our racehorses, horsemen, and guests, CDRT may restrict service animals in these areas.

Restrooms

Accessible facilities are provided on all levels throughout Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Dining Rooms

All dining rooms have accessible seating.  Please discuss your needs with your Sales or Ticketing staff so they can assist you in finding the best possible seat.  Routes for guests using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and canes will be by elevator.  Please follow signage or ask an available guest service representative for the best route to your dining room.

Seating and Route Information

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, appropriate seating is available in all dining rooms, as well as in Sections 1003, 1007, 1011, 2005, and 2009 of the Turn One Club, Section 01 of Homestretch Club, Sections SGC 06, 11, 12, and Sections 116-117 and 315-317.

• FIRST FLOOR BOXES (Sections 116-117) – PADDOCK GATE: Proceed to the section on your ticket.
• SECTION 01 OF HOMESTRETCH CLUB – PADDOCK GATE: Proceed towards the East side of the Paddock and follow signs to Homestretch Club.
• STARTING GATE COURTYARD – PADDOCK GATE: Proceed towards the Grandstands to the left of the Main Paddock then head to Starting Gate Club
• 315H BOXES – PADDOCK GATE: Proceed to the Clubhouse Elevators to the 3rd Floor, Turf Club Roses Lounge and use the two wheelchair lifts to access the 315 level.
• 315C – 317C BOXES – PADDOCK GATE: Proceed to the 2nd Floor of the Clubhouse using the VIP elevators and then use the wheelchair lift at Section 317.
• 3RD FLOOR BOX SEATS – Wheelchair lift at Section 321
• FIRST TURN TERRACE AND VIEW LEVEL (Sections 1003, 1007, 1011, 2005, and 2009) – FORD FIRST TURN GATE: Upon entering, proceed to the First Turn Building. Take the leftmost door to access the elevator, which will take you to the second or third floor.

Signage

All amenities (for example- restrooms and elevators) are marked with clearly visible signage and also include Braille signage.

Wheelchair and Companion Seating

Churchill Downs Racetrack provides wheelchair and companion seating with comparable sight lines throughout the grandstands. Wheelchair transfer service is not offered, so please bring your own wheelchair if needed.  Storage of wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers while on the property is the sole responsibility of the guest.  Churchill Downs will not be responsible for any personal property left unattended.  Wheelchair/companion fraud includes, but is not limited to, misrepresentation of a disability for the purpose of obtaining wheelchair/companion seating. Churchill Downs Racetrack reserves the right to take appropriate action up to and including relocation, ejection, or season ticket revocation for wheelchair/ companion ticket fraud.

Relocations for Accessible Seating

Should a ticket holder require accessible seating for a particular race day, accommodation may be made prior to that day subject to availability. The ticket holder of record must contact the CDRT ticket office to arrange for relocation into wheelchair and companion seating. Be advised advance notice is recommended to better service specific requests. Day of race ticket exchanges are based on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please contact the Churchill Downs Racetrack Ticket Office at 502-636-4400.

Patrons who acquire Churchill Downs Racetrack tickets via secondary markets (e.g., Ticket Exchange) who need to be relocated to a designated wheelchair/companion seating area are required to exchange the day of event. Please be advised that such exchanges and relocations are subject to wheelchair/companion seat availability and are accommodated on a first-come/first-serve basis. Requests for exchange can be made by visiting the nearest available Box Office.