If you’re heading to Churchill Downs this weekend, expect to wait a little longer than in years past.
Those of you on your way to the Oaks today or the Derby tomorrow, plan on leaving pretty much everything behind or in your car when you get to Churchill Downs. When you arrive, you’ll be scanned with a magnetic security wand before you go in and officials are asking everyone to come as early as you can and expect to wait in line. Here’s a few of the items you can and can’t take past the entrance gates.
Banned Items on Kentucky Derby and Oaks Days:
- Coolers (Styrofoam coolers, ice available at infield purchase points)
- Cans (any size or type), glass bottles or containers
- Pop-Up or Patron Tents– no poles or stakes of any kind
- Laptop Computers and Camcorders
- Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6" or larger
- Tripods
- Selfie Sticks
- Purses larger than 12" in any dimension
- Grills
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal Substances
- Thermoses
- Backpacks
- Luggage (includes briefcases)
- Duffel bags
- Wagons
- Umbrellas
- Weapons (including knives)
- Fireworks, noisemakers, air horns, laser lights/pointers, mace or pepper sprays
- Drones and remote controlled aircraft
- Hoverboards
- Animals (with the exception of service animals for guests with disabilities)
- Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
Permitted Items on Kentucky Derby and Oaks Days:
- Food items in clear plastic bags (maximum size 18" X 18" - no trash bags)*
- "Box" lunches in clear plastic bags or containers (maximum size 18" X 18" - no trash bags)
- Water and soft drinks – plastic bottles only (sealed, clear and unopened)
- Purses, but none larger than 12" in any dimension (subject to search)
- Baby/diaper bags – only if accompanied by a child (subject to search)
- Small cameras – none equipped with detachable lenses or lenses of 6" or more **
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen (non-glass containers only)
- Small personal music systems, radios and televisions** (No boom boxes)
- Cellular phones, smartphones and tablets**
- Seat cushions smaller than 15"X15" that do not contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
- Strollers (ONLY if carrying a child)
- Chairs (Gate 3 ONLY)
- Blankets & tarpaulins (Gates 1 & 3 ONLY)