Limited Two-Day Kentucky Derby, Oaks Ticket Packages Go on Sale Wednesday at Tickets.Churchilldowns.Com

(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time in its storied history, Churchill Downs will give the general public an opportunity to purchase special two-day ticket packages to its world-famous Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks via the racetrack’s new online box office, http://tickets.churchilldowns.com.

A limited number of seats – 3,000 for Oaks Day on Friday, April 30 and 3,000 for Derby Day on Saturday, May 1 – have been allocated for this online exclusive and will go on sale Wednesday, Dec. 16 at noon EST.

Prices for the two-day bundled seat packages range from $172 for individual first floor grandstand bleacher seats on both days to $6,390 for a six-seat box in the third floor clubhouse with daily access to the exclusive Secretariat Lounge.

“The Kentucky Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, are extraordinary spectacles that people all over the world hope to experience at least once in their lifetime,” said Kevin Flanery, Churchill Downs Racetrack president. “This holiday season, we’ve set aside approximately 6 percent of our inventory to make it easier for the Louisville community, sports fans and entertainment seekers to obtain these usually hard-to-get reserved seats through our new and convenient online box office.

“For the last few years, we’ve tried to make more tickets available to the general public through last minute ticket lotteries and select on-track promotions. People camped out overnight in the cold and waited in long lines just to have a chance to grab Derby tickets in our on-track lottery. They don’t have to do that now; the tickets are just a mouse-click away. This is a more convenient continuation of that effort, with modest and premium price points available in our supply.”

This online exclusive offer will include third-floor clubhouse box seats in sections 312-314 (50 boxes or 300 seats); first-floor clubhouse box seats in section 111 (166 boxes or 996 seats); second-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 222-225 (300 seats); and first-floor grandstand bleacher seats in sections 121-128 (1,404 seats). Those who want to purchase box seats must purchase the entire box, which includes seats for six.

The third-floor clubhouse box seat packages include admission to the luxurious 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.

Customers can also 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.

Ticket prices vary based on location. There is a purchase limit of six seats or one box per order. Tickets must be purchased with a Visa credit or debit card. Minimal ticket processing charges will apply.

This offer is exclusive to http://tickets.churchilldowns.com; no sales will be made in person or by submitting letters, e-mail or telephone calls to Churchill Downs.

Two-Day Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Reserved Seat Tickets (Limit 6 Per Person)

First-Floor Grandstand Bleacher Seats

(Sections 121-128; total of 1,404 seats)

* Section 128 – $172 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 127 – $183 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 126 – $188 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 125 – $195 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 124 – $197 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 123 – $200 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 122 – $202 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 121 – $207 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

Second-Floor Grandstand Bleacher Seats

(Sections 222-225; total of 300 seats)

* Section 225 – $214 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 224 – $218 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 223 – $222 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 222 – $225 per seat (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

First-Floor Clubhouse Box Seats

(Section 111; total of 166 boxes or 996 seats)

* Section 111 – $1,500 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

Third-Floor Clubhouse Box Seats with Access to Exclusive Secretariat Lounge

(Sections 312-314; total of 50 boxes or 300 seats)

* Section 312 – $6,132 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 313 – $6,204 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)
* Section 314 – $6,390 per six-seat box (includes Oaks Day and Derby Day)

It has never been easier to purchase tickets to Churchill Downs, thanks to the fresh technology at http://tickets.churchilldowns.com. The easy-to-navigate, one-stop shop Website designed by SeatAdvisor, Inc. allows patrons to seamlessly view, choose and purchase exact reserved seat locations throughout the vast facility.

In addition to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, customers can purchase packages to other 2010 events at Churchill Downs, including six “Downs After Dark” nighttime racing events scheduled for June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, Oct. 31 and Nov. 19.

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

Purchasers of tickets through this online offer will agree to not resell these tickets at a premium in excess of the amount shown on the ticket or to package these tickets for resale together with hospitality, travel or other services and to not purchase – either directly or indirectly – more than the “per person” ticket limit (six seats) established for this online offer. Churchill Downs reserves the right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel ticket purchases, including without limitation, voiding online transactions and refunding amounts paid by persons violating these conditions of sale. See http://tickets.churchilldowns.com for the complete terms and conditions of this online offer.

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 5. 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 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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Kentucky Derby 135 Tickets Available for Sale Online

(BUSINESS WIRE)--With Kentucky Derby 135 only two months away, Churchill Downs, the legendary racetrack that hosts the annual “Run for the Roses,” is pleased to announce that online advance ticket sales for general admission and select reserved seats to the Kentucky Derby and its companion event, Kentucky Oaks 135, are now available at www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/tickets/buy.

Selected levels of ticketing, including $40 general admission Kentucky Derby infield tickets and premium Infield Suites and Marquee Village locations, will be available at face value via the new online purchase platform offered by Churchill Downs and TicketReturn. General admission tickets provide the same access that patrons may enjoy by purchasing admission on the morning of the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks, which includes first-level access to the public areas behind the grandstand and clubhouse, as well as infield access. Tickets to the premium Infield Suites and Marquee Village locations offer seats and hospitality, which includes food and beverage service.

“We wanted to make buying tickets to the Derby easier for everyone,” said Mike Mossholder, vice president of sales for Churchill Downs Incorporated. “The new purchasing platform will allow any individual or group to find available ticket packages that perfectly suit their interests and budget. It’s the same concept that’s used to buy concert tickets and many other entertainment event tickets. With minimal effort, Derby-goers can instantaneously select their package and complete the transaction online from the comfort of anywhere they have Internet access.”

“We’re proud to partner with Churchill Downs for this offering of online tickets to the Kentucky Derby,” said Gordon Hirsch, vice president of marketing for TicketReturn. “This is the premier sports entertainment event of the Thoroughbred racing world and a testament to TicketReturn’s fast-growing popularity nationwide.”

The ability to buy tickets online enables Derby-goers to secure available reserved seats or general admission tickets weeks in advance of the Oaks and Derby and plan ahead for a truly special visit to the Derby’s host city, Louisville, Ky. Over the years, the Kentucky Derby experience has evolved into much more than a horse race. The weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby now encompass a whirlwind of special events with a little something for everyone.

The Kentucky Derby Festival, a two-week long, community-wide celebration, is a tremendous draw for tourists from around the country and offers more than 70 family-friendly events – many of them free of charge with Pegasus Pin admission (visit the Kentucky Derby Festival at www.kdf.org for more). Meanwhile, Churchill Downs offers live racing in the days leading up to the Derby with a variety of on-track entertainment options, as well as “Dawn at the Downs,” a chance for race fans to enjoy breakfast under the Twin Spires while watching Derby and Oaks contenders on the track, preparing for their moment in the spotlight.

For more information on the Kentucky Derby and how to purchase ticket packages, please visit www.kentuckyderby.com/2009/tickets/buy.

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