Churchill Downs' Online Offering of Select Kentucky Derby, Oaks Tickets Sells Out

Jan 06, 2010 Darren Rogers

Churchill Downs’ exclusive online offering of 3,000 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks reserved seat packages sold out Wednesday in 48 minutes.

    The limited number of two-day ticket packages, which ranged in price from $172 for individual first floor grandstand bleacher seats to $6,390 for a six-seat box in the third floor clubhouse with daily access to the exclusive Secretariat Lounge, were made available exclusively at Churchill Downs’ new online box office, http://tickets.churchilldowns.com.

    Tickets went on sale at 12 p.m. EST and were sold out by 12:48 p.m.

“The demand for both Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks tickets is truly exceptional,” Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery said. “The rapid sell-out of this limited offer reaffirms that these two premier racing events comprise America’s hottest, most extravagant and glamorous springtime sports party. Our online approach gave everyone a fair shot to purchase highly coveted reserved seats, and we’re truly appreciative by the level of support shown by sports fans and entertainment seekers around the world.”

The online sale of Derby and Oaks inventory was originally scheduled for Dec. 16, but was temporary delayed due to track officials’ concerns about a potential data error that could have resulted in customer service issues for some patrons. Early internal monitoring of Wednesday’s process showed no significant system troubles.

“There was extraordinary demand with more than 50,000 online requests within the first five minutes,” Flanery said. “We’re thrilled for those who were fortunate to purchase reserved seats and sympathize with those who didn’t have the luck of the draw this time around.”

    Churchill Downs’ new online box office, http://tickets.churchilldowns.com, is an easy-to-navigate, one-stop shop Website that allows patrons to seamlessly view, choose and purchase exact reserved seat locations throughout the vast facility.

    Customers can advance purchase general admission tickets to the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands for $40 and the Kentucky Oaks for $25, as well as reserved seats to other 2010 on-track events, including six special “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing programs.

    Customers are advised to visit http://tickets.churchilldowns.com frequently as inventory is continually added.

    Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will host the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands on Saturday, May 1 and the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, April 30. The track will conduct its 2010 Spring Meet from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, July 4. Churchill Downs is scheduled to host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record seventh time on Nov. 5 and 6, 2010. Churchill Downs tickets are available at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com or by calling (502) 636-4400. Additional information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com.

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