Kentucky Derby bag policy? What you can, can't bring to Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby is known as the "fastest two minutes in sports," but for the crowd at Churchill Downs, the entire day is one long party.
If you are gearing up for a day at the track, be sure you know what you take with you and what you should leave behind. You will also want to keep Churchill Downs' bag policy in mind as you make your list of must-haves.
Derby Day can be quite unpredictable and that goes beyond the race itself. So if you are worried about something going wrong, have no fear. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for the unexpected.
Can I bring an umbrella to Churchill Downs?
No.
Even though rain is in the forecast for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, umbrellas are not permitted at Churchill Downs.
To protect your outfit, be sure to bring a poncho, which can be brought into the racetrack.
What to bring to Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week
A hat. Wear one no matter what. It's part of the tradition and pageantry.
Hand sanitizer
Ladies, pack an extra pair of flats or flip-flops in your purse.
Sunscreen if it's sunny, a sweater if it's chilly, and a poncho if it looks like rain is in the forecast. Kentucky Derby officials recommend a lightweight, clear poncho so you can still show off your outfit if the weather gets bad. You may want to use the poncho to protect your purse while watching the race if you are right below a balcony, just in case someone spills a drink.
Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags (no trash bags) or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches), but only on Thurby, Oaks and Derby Days. A limit of one bag per person applies.
Bottled water in a sealed, clear and unopened plastic bottle. Limit of two 24-ounce bottles per person
A dry-cleaning bag or extra poncho to protect your hat if it rains
Binoculars, since the horses may be far from you at times
You can bring diaper bags and strollers (as long as you have a child with you)
Seat cushions smaller than 15-inches-by-15-inches that do not contain metal arms or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps.
Your tickets. Whether you printed them out or stored them on your phone, take a moment to make sure you have them before heading to the gate.
What is the purse and bag policy at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby?
Churchill Downs will enforce a restricted bag policy from April 27 through Derby Day on May 4. Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12-inches-by-6-inches-by-12-inches. Diaper bags are allowed if you have a child with you.
Prohibited items at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Here is a list of the items you cannot bring to the track, according to the Kentucky Derby's website:
Alcoholic beverages
Backpacks, duffel bags and luggage
Bags that don't adhere to the bag policy (see above)
Balloons and inflatables
Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
Cameras with detachable lenses or equipped with a lens that is 6-inches or larger
Canopies and tents
Cans (any size or type), glass bottles or containers
Chairs
Confetti
Coolers
Drones and remote-controlled aircraft
Fireworks, noisemakers, air horns, laser lights/pointers, mace or pepper spray
Food and beverages
Grills
Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
Illegal substances
Personal music players without headphones, portable speakers/sound systems
Pets, except for trained service animals
Poles or sticks of any size
Projectile items, balls and frisbees
Seat cushions that are larger than 15 inches by 15 inches that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
Selfie sticks
Thermoses
Tripods
Umbrellas of any size
Wagons
Weapons (including guns, knives, and cigar cutters)
Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate
Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@gannett.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Churchill Downs bag policy, tips on what to bring to Kentucky Derby
