Skip to content
Toggle menu
SportsTravel SportsTravel

Breaking News, Podcasts and Analysis Serving People who Organize, Manage and Host Sports Events

Primary Menu
  • News
    • Hosts & Suppliers
    • Recently Awarded
    • Sports Organizations
    • Sports Venues
    • Sponsors & Media
  • IN DEPTH
    • Feature Story
    • On Assignment
    • Perspectives
    • Technology in Sports
  • Podcasts
  • Sports
    • CATEGORY
      • Amateur Sports
      • Youth Sports
      • Collegiate Sports
      • Professional Sports
      • Olympic Sports
      • Paralympic Sports
      • National Governing Body
      • Adaptive Sports
      • Sustainability
      • Water Sports
      • Winter Sports
      • Women’s Sports
    • INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
      • Baseball
      • Basketball
      • Bowling
      • Cycling
      • Football
      • Golf
      • Gymnastics
      • Hockey
      • Lacrosse
      • Motorsports
      • Pickleball
      • Rugby
      • Running
      • Soccer
      • Softball
      • Swimming
      • Tennis
      • Track & Field
      • Triathlon
      • Volleyball
      • Wrestling
  • Esports
    • Esports News
    • Esports Guide
    • EsportsTravel Summit
  • Resources
    • Bid Bowl
      • Bid Bowl Listings
      • Submission Form
        • About Bid Bowl
    • Destination Spotlight
    • Destination Guides
    • Downloadable Guides
    • Venue Guides
    • Media Kit
      • Media Kit
      • 2022 Editorial Calendar
    • Digital Edition
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • EVENTS
    • TEAMS CONFERENCE & EXPO
    • EsportsTravel Summit
    • SportsTravel Road Trip
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram


Home > Sports Organizations > Kentucky Derby Ready to Roll at Full Capacity for First Time in Three Years

Kentucky Derby Ready to Roll at
Full Capacity for First Time in Three Years

New activations and renovations make a bucket list event even better

Posted On : May 3, 2022 By : Matt Traub
KentuckyDerbyA
The Kentucky Derby's new Homestretch Club features club seating and access to VIP amenities including the longest bar in Kentucky. Photo courtesy Churchill Downs

The Kentucky Derby has trademarked the phrase “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” as its main marketing slogan, but Derby week at Churchill Downs is much more than those two minutes.

The Derby is run May 7, but it’s officially a week-long event that leads up to those two minutes, with plenty to keep fans occupied at the first “real” post-pandemic Derby weekend. Chief among new activations this year are partnerships with BMW, Red Bull and Woodford Reserve.

“Big events are back‚ we’ve seen that with the Super Bowl and Masters this year, and the Kentucky Derby will be no different,” said Casey Ramage, vice president of marketing and partnerships at Churchill Downs. “Over the course of the week, we’ll welcome more than 300,000 people here.”

The biggest activation of 2022 is BMW debuting its new E Series (Electric Series) car, the BMW i7 sedan. The car won’t be available until 2023 but Derby fans can get an up-close view this week in the Paddock area near the VIP gate. The display will also include 7,000 red roses, which pays tribute to Kentucky Derby traditions and offers a tremendous photo op for fans.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to partner with BMW — we both have traditions in luxury, passion and performance, so this is a natural fit for us,” Ramage said. “This is the first time we’ve had a luxury auto partner. We have a very strong partnership with Ford as the official truck of the Kentucky Derby, and now we welcome BMW as our luxury auto partner.”

Red Bull has signed a multi-year deal and will be activating in the infield of the track. Red Bull is known for bringing energy and will provide its DJ booth and music to keep patrons invigorated. Also on hand will be internet sensation Dude Perfect, a group of trick-shot artists who never disappoint with their creative show.

The Homestretch Club, which includes VIP Seating for the Kentucky Derby, is part of a three-step facility upgrade plan starting this year and going on through 2024. Photo courtesy Churchill Downs

New partnerships and activations are part of Churchill Downs’ efforts to improve the event. The venue is set to unveil the first part of its three-step facility upgrade plan in 2022 with the Homestretch Club, which features club seating and access to VIP amenities including the longest bar in Kentucky.

“We sought out how the younger generation wants to be entertained these days, and we found that people want more of these community-oriented spaces,” Ramage said. “We have the new Horseshoe Rail lounges, which are right up on the rail, so it’s the courtside seats feeling. But you can also retreat inside.”

A 148-Year Tradition

This will be the 148th installment of the Kentucky Derby, which is the longest continually held sporting event in the United States. A major event doesn’t make it that long without reinvesting into its product, which is what Churchill Downs is doing.

The Turn 1 area will have new seating in 2023 and in 2024, for the 150th anniversary, Churchill Downs will put upward of $200 million into its new paddock.

“When we benchmark ourselves, we look at Wembley Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden,” Ramage said. “That’s where we hold ourselves and to continue to be a leader in sports entertainment, we’re always looking for ways to entertain our customers. Year after year, we listen to the customer and we’re hearing about more experiences they want. They want to get closer to our athletes, in a world-class venue, and we believe strongly in investing in our capital projects.”

Ramage also points out of the 300,000 people who come through the gates during Derby week, this event has different demographics than others: “When you look at our attendance and broadcast numbers, we are 51 percent female and 49 percent male, so we’re the one sporting event that just as many women want to watch and attend as men.”

Another aspect of the Derby is that a fan can walk up the day of the event and purchase a general admission ticket. Ramage also noted that horse racing is a generational sport passed down through the years. This leads to an estimated 3.5 million Kentucky Derby parties being held across the world each year.

“All those people get to carry the traditions of the Derby into their homes,” she said. “The red roses, the wagering, the mint julips and the fancy hats – the Derby is a great reason for your friends and family to get together.”

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit
  • Email
Posted in: Latest News, Sports Organizations, Sports Sponsorship, Sports VenuesTagged : Casey Ramage,Churchill Downs,Kentucky Derby

Post navigation

Cricket Stadium Development Takes Step Forward in Orange County
2023 Tough Mudder Events

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets

sportstravel

SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at t SportsTravel was on location today in Atlanta at the Collegiate Esports Commissioners Cup, presented by Collegiate Sports Management Group, EsportsU and Skillshot Media at the Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta. More than 400 collegiate players from all over the country competed with more than 2,000 attendees. #CECCAtlanta2022 #esportsindustry
SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach vo SportsTravel is on location for the #NCAA beach volleyball championships in Gulf Shores, Alabama. @gsob_sportsandevents is a partnership among Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism (GSOBT), the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, Gulf State Park and the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. In 2007, the organization became a department within GSOBT. In this role, the GSOB Sports & Events – along with assistance from both cities – works to bring quality athletic and leisure events to Alabama’s Gulf Coast. 

#GSOBsports
#GSOBsportsandevents
#GulfShores
#orangebeach
Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat wi Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a great chat with Scott Howson, president of @theahl about how the hockey league survived the pandemic and what competition and events look like on the other side. We also explore his journey from player to executive.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hockey #hockeypodcast #AHL #sports #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness
SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary o SportsTravel is celebrating its 25th anniversary of issue one this year. We recently caught up on the SportsTravel Podcast with magazine founder Tim Schneider to talk about the origin of the publication, what those early days were like and where the industry is headed next.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @myrtlebeachconventioncenter for sponsoring this episode!

#podcast #sportspodcast #sports #sportstourism #sportstravel #magazine #magazineindustry #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a conversation with @julius_journeys of @marriotthotels on the company’s @ncaa sponsorship and activation at the recent Women’s Final Four in Minneapolis. We also delve into his take on how sports have helped the travel industry recover. 

Take a listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

#podcast #sportspodcast #hotelindustry #sportssponsorship #basketball #womensbasketball #womensfinalfour @meetminneapolis
ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-l ICYMI: Our latest SportsTravel Podcast is a must-listen with Tom Cove, the president and CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, where we go into which sports are trending up and which are trending down when it come to participation. More important, we explore what sports organizations and destinations should do depending where those trends are going.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. Special thanks to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for sponsoring this episode!

@thesfia @myrtlebeachconventioncenter #podcast #sportspodcast #sports  #research #data #sportsparticipation #youthsports #pickleball #pickleballpodcast #sportsresearch
Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Two years ago, the cancellation of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells was one of the first major sporting events that went away because of COVID-19. This year’s #BNPPO22 crowds have roared on some of #tennis’ biggest stars including Rafael #Nadal and more. With COVID restrictions recently lifted in California and a vaccine mandate in place, attendance over the middle weekend of the tournament—which runs through March 20—was close to 75 percent of its biggest years. Here is a look around the grounds at what a return to normalcy in the sports world looks like (fingers crossed). Saturday’s tight three-set match between Nadal and up-and-coming young American Sebastian Korda drew a close-to-capacity crowd and something that hasn’t been heard in awhile—legions of screaming fans, while the outer courts at the appropriately named @indianwellstennisgarden are a popular spot. Doubles action between John Isner and Jack Sock of the U.S. and Nick Kyrios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia was a popular draw on Stadium 2 but those not inside the stadiums can still watch the action on big screens on the lawn outside. Organizers of the @bnpparibasopen are happy to welcome fans back to what they call “Tennis Paradise."
College basketball is full of venues that reflect College basketball is full of venues that reflect the community teams play in and one such place is the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. Since it opened in 1966, the Reilly Center has served as the focal point on @bonnies_mbb and @bonnies_wbb game nights not only for the campus community but throughout the region. In 2016, ESPN selected it as the most difficult place for opponents to play in the Atlantic 10 and one of the top 10 such venues in the nation. In the summer of 2007, a state-of-the-art floor was installed and named "Bob Lanier Court" in honor of the 1970 @stbonaventureuniversity  graduate, All-American and Basketball Hall of Famer. Tuesday’s win over Rhode Island was in front of just under 4,000 fans in an atmosphere that sounded like twice as many people were there.
NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and wome NEW EPISODE! With the @ciaasports men’s and women’s basketball tournaments tipping off this week, we sit down with Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams to learn why the event has moved to Baltimore after years in Charlotte, the importance of ancillary events to the festivities and the pace of DEI efforts in collegiate sports hiring. Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major #podcast platforms.

And special thanks to @marylandsportscommission for sponsoring this episode!

#sportspodcast #ciaa #basketball #collegebasketball #sportstourism #sportstravel @visitbmore #baltimore #maryland #hbcu #hbcubasketball
The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its k The Carrier Dome is the largest structure of its kind on a college campus with tens of thousands every season coming to watch stars such as Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, Rony Seikaly, Sherman Douglas, Derrick Coleman and 2003 NCAA champions Carmelo Anthony and Gerry McNamara. The Dome has hosted five NCAA East Regional since 2000 and also hosts SU's football team, the 11-time NCAA champion men's lacrosse team, the women's lacrosse squad and the women's basketball team. It’s iconic dome structure has been replaced with a more modern look in recent years. Saturday’s crowd saw the Orange beat Boston College 76-56.
The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu The latest SportsTravel Podcast is a chat with Stu Upson, CEO of @usapickleball. We discuss what’s behind the phenomenon that SFIA says is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, the status of pickleball venues and the landscape for events.

Listen at SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms. And special thanks to @playacsports for sponsoring this episode!

#pickleball #podcast #podcasts #sportspodcast #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportstourism #sportstravel
SportsTravel was excited to be on hand for today’s historic opening of the new @usabmx headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The venue includes office space for the NGB but even more importantly a world-class arena and a permanent home for the BMX Hall of Fame. Stay tuned for our upcoming coverage at SportsTravelMagazine.com.

#bmx #tulsa @visittulsa @tulsasportscommission #ngb #cycling
As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebra As part of its continuing 20th anniversary celebrations of hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, a public exhibition of sports including curling and biathlon was held outside along with pin trading, music and a climbing wall. Nearby at the @teamusa USA house with graphics designed by @infinite_scale, dignitaries and Olympic supporters from around the area gathered to watch the action from Beijing. Part of the afternoon included a visit from Senator Mitt Romney, who was part of the 2002 SLC leadership along with Fraser Bullock, with both speaking to a crowd that included Olympic legend Eric Heiden.
What does this robot bartender have anything to do What does this robot bartender have anything to do with the Olympic Winter Games? It’s one of the many quirky aspects of being in the “closed loop.” Visit SportsTravelMagazine.com for Lisa Delpy Neirotti’s inside look at what life is like in the loop.

#beijing #beijing2022 #robot #bartender @gwsportmngt #olympics
With its prime location near many of the most impo With its prime location near many of the most important business hubs in the northeast, Ocean City, Maryland, is a supremely accessible and scenic destination for groups. Planners can choose from a diverse array of group-friendly venues and treat their attendees to activities that include relaxing along 10 miles of white-sand beach, strolling a three-mile Boardwalk, trying their swing at any of 17 championship golf courses and savoring the cuisine at more than 200 restaurants. Find out more in our destination guide here: https://www.sportstravelmagazine.com/guide-to-sports-events-and-venues-in-ocean-city
Stay close to the action and reserve your room now Stay close to the action and reserve your room now at the official host hotel of the EsportsTravel Summit, the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Located at the edge of one of the most famous beaches in the world, the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort offers elegant oceanside rooms and provides convenient access to the EsportsTravel Summit, including the educational sessions and the Destination & Supplier Marketplace. Book your room at the EsportsTravel Summit special rate today and be part of the world’s largest gathering of esports tournament and video-game event organizers at the only event focused on the travel side of the esports industry. Visit esportstravelsummit.com for more information.
To mark the 20-year anniversary of Salt Lake City To mark the 20-year anniversary of Salt Lake City hosting the 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the torch at Rice-Eccles Stadium was re-lit during a Tuesday night ceremony. Governor Spencer Cox, Mayor Erin Mendenhall and 2002 Games CEO Fraser Bullock each spoke during the event, which included 2002 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games athletes as well as current youth athletes representing the Children of Light, a theme from the 2002 opening and closing ceremonies. The torch will remain lit through this week.

#Olympics2022 #Olympics #WinterOlympics #TeamUSA  #saltlakecity #slc2030
With skiing and snowboarding underway in Beijing, With skiing and snowboarding underway in Beijing, be sure to check out our most recent episode of the SportsTravel Podcast, which features U.S. Ski & Snowboard CEO Sophie Goldschmidt. We talk to her about the logistics of getting her team’s athletes to China, the growth of both sports and her being one of the few women to lead an NGB.

To listen, visit SportsTravelMagazine.com or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

@usskiteam @teamusa @beijing2022 #beijing #beijing2022 #ski #snowboard #skiing #snowboarding #olympics
Our @gwsportmngt Lisa Delpy Neirotti is in Beijing Our @gwsportmngt Lisa Delpy Neirotti is in Beijing and reports that despite the limited crowds, organizers are still providing a DJ and other entertainment, similar to what organizers did in Tokyo under similar circumstances. That was the case as the U.S. women’s hockey team dominated the Russian Olympic Committee team.
Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers tries his hand Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers tries his hand at curling during a kickoff to a weekend celebration at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum called Downtown Winter Fest. Two-time Paralympian John Register was also on hand for the announcement of the festival, which begins with a daylong event on Saturday to celebrate the Beijing Games. Olympians including Peggy Fleming will be on hand for autographs and attendees at the free event can see other sport demonstrations and experience a torch relay. Events are planned at the downtown museum throughout the Games.

@usopmuseum @visitcos @olympiccityusa @thesportscorp @teamusa #olympics #paralympics @springsgov #usopm #museum #beijing2022
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Group Led by Dodgers Owner Buys Chelsea for $3.1 Billion
  • NFL Combine Will Return to Indianapolis for 2023 and 2024
  • Prefontaine Classic Returns to Normalcy in 2022
  • Hershey Renews Partnership with Team USA, Joins LA28
  • Louisville Football Adds Upgrades to Cardinal Stadium
Sports Travel Magazine

About Us

Since 1997, SportsTravel magazine has served the sports‐related travel and event industry. It is the only publication written and designed to serve the people who organize, manage and host sporting events of all types at all levels.

  • Subscribe to E-Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • SportsTravel Foundation
  • Supplied Content
  • Privacy
  • Terms

NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA SITES

  • Northstar Meetings Group
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Meeting News
  • Retail Travel
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • See All Northstar Brands

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Sports ETA

Destinations International
Northstar Travel Media LLC Copyright © 2022 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
scroll to top
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.