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Keeneland Entry policies

Keeneland Entry Policies

Live Racing in April and October

The health and safety of our employees, horsemen and fans is Keeneland’s top priority. Keeneland reserves the right to search all persons and their belongings and deny admission to any person refusing such procedures or where such search produces contents of items deemed unlawful, dangerous, obnoxious or prohibitive by Keeneland. For the safety of our guests, patrons will be asked to walk through metal detectors prior to entering any Grandstand admission gates and the Clubhouse entrance. You may be asked to open coats/jackets, and empty pockets, purses, and handbags for inspection. 

 Please see below for additional entry details and contact us at [email protected] for any questions. 

Ticketing & Admission Gates

1. Have Ticket Ready Before Arriving

Tickets chosen to be delivered as “Print at Home" or “Mobile Delivery” will be sent two weeks prior to your arrival date.

Mobile Delivery - Open your tickets from your mobile device and save your ticket to your Apple or Android Wallet in advance.

Print at Home - Open your tickets from your desktop and print as an 8.5x11 document. DO NOT screenshot or resize the image.

Will Call - Tickets selected as "Will Call" will be available at the Welcome Center front windows next to the South Grandstand Entrance. Will Call opens at 10 a.m. each race day.

2. Share Tickets in Advance

Share tickets in advance with any guests. Use the transfer button to share digitally, do not screenshot.

3. Scanning at Gates

Upon entry, hold your mobile device up to the scanner at the gate for easy entry on race day.

Keeneland does not allow patrons to resell tickets at a higher face value while on the property. Any patron caught doing so will be escorted off the property by Keeneland Security.

Bag Policy

Approved Bags

Keeneland does not have a clear bag policy.

Duffle bags are not permitted.

Large tote bags are not permitted.

Backpacks and drawstring bags are not permitted.

Luggage is not permitted.

Prohibited Items

Keeneland holds the right to discretion on the items below and other items deemed inappropriate or dangerous.

Only American Disability Act (ADA) approved Medical Service Dogs whom assist individuals with a disability, or are trained to perform a service, are allowed to enter the Grandstand. Emotional Support animals are not allowed access to the Grandstand. Keeneland follows Federal ADA Laws regarding service animals. The health and safety of the horses is also a priority at Keeneland.   

Outside food and beverages, glass, cans, aluminum bottles, thermoses, empty bottles are not permitted inside the gates. Alcohol is not permitted inside the gates. This includes, but is not limited to, bottle and wine openers, glassware, miniature bottles, flasks. Please see the below for information on baby/toddler food and beverage policy.  

Coolers of any kind are not permitted inside the gates. Coolers and Icepacks needed for Baby/Toddler food or breastmilk/formula are permitted and are subject to be searched. 

Whistles, air horns, megaphones, fireworks, confetti cannons (of any size) and portable speakers/sound systems are not permitted.

Selfie sticks, drones or radio-controlled aircraft, tripods, monopods, handheld microphones, and lighting instruments are prohibited.  

Grills and lighter fluid of any kind are not permitted inside the gates. For Patrons tailgating, visit keeneland.com/tailgating for rules and regulations. 

Illegal drugs or substances are prohibited.

Large Umbrellas (beach or picnic size, personal sized umbrellas are permitted), tents/canopies, tables, sporting equipment (balls of all kinds, frisbees, golf clubs, etc.), hoverboards, scooters, and skateboards are prohibited.  

Firearms, knives/swords (of any kind including pocketknives), mace, pepper spray, stun guns/shocking devices, sharp items, brass knuckles are prohibited.  

Handheld items (cups, koozies, shirts, etc.), posters, flyers and banners are prohibited. Keeneland holds the right to remove any Patron that showcases offensive or unauthorized messaging in any way. 

Frequently Asked Questions

I am attending Keeneland with a baby/toddler/child under the age of 12

Keeneland welcomes all our littlest fans!  

Tickets 
General Admission:  All children 12 years of age and under do not require a ticket.  
Reserved Grandstand:  Any child requiring a seat will need to purchase a ticket. We recommend you purchase a seat for anyone 24 months or older.  
Dining Room:  Any child 24 months or older, who will require a chair, will need a ticket. 
Sunrise Trackside: Every Saturday 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Tickets are not required to attend this event. 
Kids Club Family Day: Each race meet, Keeneland host Kids Club Family Day presented by Kentucky Children’s Hospital. All children and immediate family receive free admission. Register for our complimentary Kids Club program today to receive your free membership card. Learn More.

Safety and Security 
Security Screenings
Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian. If they alarm, children are allowed multiple passes through screening technologies and may undergo other procedures to resolve the alarm to reduce the need for a pat-down. 

Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector. Should the alarm sound, additional screening may be required.

Diaper Bags and Totes are permitted at Keeneland and are subject to inspection.

Stroller/Wagon Check Point  
Upon arrival at the gates, the parent/guardian accompanying the stroller/wagon/etc. will go to the ADA/Stroller Lane where Security personnel will wand that individual and check belongings. Children may remain in the stroller. All others in the party will need to go through Metal Detectors. 

Food and Beverage 
Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are permitted at Keeneland. This applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk) and pumping equipment.  

A nursing station is located on the 2nd floor of the grandstand, located beside a Family Restroom, trackside elevator C. This space is equipped with two private nursing rooms, baby changing station, and a hand-washing station. 

Dress Code 
Children under the age of 12 are not required to adhere to Keeneland dress codes. 

I am attending and require ADA/Mobility Assistance. 

Ticketing 
Reserved Grandstand: For those who require accessible seats in the Reserved Grandstand, there is an online form that can be filled out on the purchase page. Submissions will be answered by the Welcome Center staff within 24 hours. Click here. Patrons may contact our ticket office directly with questions, as our staff is more intimately knowledgeable about our facilities and they will provide the best service for our patrons with accessible requirements.

Elevators: All levels of Keeneland are accessible by elevator.  

Parking 
Keeneland provides Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible parking spaces specifically designated for use by those who are mobility-impaired. ADA accessible parking spaces are available in the Handicap parking lot with additional parking in Rows 21-22. Golf carts will be available to shuttle patrons to the Grandstand South entrance. Vehicles are encouraged to enter thru Gate 1 (Versailles and Man O’ War). See parking map.

At departure, Golf Carts will pick up mobility impaired patrons at the Grandstand South and North entrances only. 

Safety and Security 
Patrons using a wheelchair or mobility devices will enter the admission gates through the ADA/Stroller Lane and will undergo a security screening. Any patron assisting with transportation may accompany through this lane as well. All other patrons must go through regular security screening.  

Wheelchair and mobility devices are subject to security search.  

Wheelchair Assistance 
Please visit the Grandstand South Plaza for Wheelchair Assistance. Keeneland’s Guest Services team members (look for staff in Green Jackets) are available to transport you to your area for the day and pick up as well. 

I am attending Keeneland and have a medical or emotional support animal. 

To ensure the highest level of safety and health of our horses and athletes - only ADA approved medical service dogs who assist individuals with a disability, or are trained to perform a service, are allowed to enter through the admission gates.  

Emotional Support animals are not allowed access through the admission gates. Keeneland follows Federal ADA Laws regarding service animals.

I am attending Keeneland and have a dietary restriction. 

Outside food and beverage is not permitted.  

For patrons with strict medical restrictions and require food/beverage accommodations, please contact 859-288-4213 prior to your arrival date. 

Keeneland offers a variety of concession offerings during Race Meet. View concession menus HERE.

Please contact [email protected] for questions regarding menus or to make any special arrangements.  

Am I allowed to bring my camera/recording device in the gates?

Keeneland welcomes fans to safely share their race-day experience with family and friends. As you do, please remember the safety of our human and equine athletes is our top priority. In addition, all patrons are subject to Keeneland’s ticketing and admissions policy, which is available here and incorporated herein by reference.

Handheld cameras, still and video cameras, and camera phones are allowed on the grounds subject to the following: 

1. Photographs, videos, and the making of drawings or paintings on Keeneland property are permitted for personal use only; 
2. The foregoing are permitted only in areas open to the public, and must not block aisles or walkways or otherwise distract staff or security; 
3. The use of professional photographic equipment (such as tripods, monopods, handheld microphones, lighting instruments, other external equipment, etc.) is not permitted; and 
4. A safe distance must be maintained at all times from all human and equine athletes. 

Any commercial or other unauthorized use of any transmission, picture or image, film, writing, drawing, or other depiction of Keeneland or its names, marks, or logos is prohibited without Keeneland’s prior express written consent. 

Please be mindful that your photography or video activities respect the needs and privacy of other patrons, athletes and other participants and do not distract staff or security from their primary duties. Keeneland reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph or videotape on its premises if it is a disruption and/or is perceived that it might endanger patrons, equine or human athletes or other participants, staff, or others. 

Am I allowed to leave and re-enter the gates? 

Yes. Patrons will need to visit the pass gate at any admission gate to receive a designation stamp before exiting. Patrons will be required to go through Security screening to come back in.  

I am attending Keeneland with a General Admission ticket.

Keeneland is excited to have you at the Races! 

Parking 
General Admission ticket purchasers may park in The Meadow, The Hill or there is limited paved row parking that is first come first serve.  

Shuttles are available from the Meadow and the Hill that will drop off and pick up at the Grandstand South Entrance. See parking map.

Safety and Security 
General Admission ticket purchasers are able to enter through one of Keeneland’s three main gates: Grandstand South, Grandstand East or Grandstand North.  

All patrons will go through a metal detector and enter a Security screening process with bag checks.  

Seating Accommodations
This is a stand-alone ticket. Seating is not guaranteed with a General Admission ticket. 

There are benches located on the track apron, and tables with chairs on the second and third floor of the grandstands. These are available on a first come first serve basis.  

Keeneland admission gates will open at 11am each race day. Reserving tables and chairs prior to gates opening is strictly prohibited. Keeneland Security will conduct a venue sweep every race day from 10-11 a.m. requiring all patrons to go outside of the gates.  

Foldable chairs are only permitted in general areas on the first floor; they are not permitted in the Clubhouse, Paddock area, or floors 2-4. 

Food and Beverage
Outside food and beverage is not permitted in Keeneland.  

I am attending Keeneland during Morning Workouts and Sunrise Trackside.

Ticketing 
Morning Works take place daily on the main track from dawn until 10 a.m. On race days, the ground level of the Grandstand will be open to the public until 10 a.m. for viewing of Morning Works; no ticket or admission required.

Visit Keeneland on Saturday mornings during the race meet to experience the sunrise, sights and sounds of Sunrise Trackside at Keeneland. Coffee and light breakfast offerings will be available to enjoy at The Starting Gate concession stand while watching Morning Works. Children's Activities will take place from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. underneath the grandstand.  No ticket or admission required. Learn more.

Parking 
Patrons attending these events are encouraged to enter through Gate 2 of Keeneland and park in the designated rows directed by Keeneland Security. 

Safety and Security 
Patrons attending Morning Works and Sunrise Trackside may enter through any of Keeneland's admissions gates. 

All patrons will go through a metal detector, enter a security screening process with bag checks.  

Children able to walk through the metal detector without assistance may do so separately from their parent or guardian.

Infants and small children may be carried through the metal detector.

Diaper Bags are permitted and are subject to inspection.

Stroller/Wagon Check Point  
Upon arrival at the admission gates, the parent/guardian accompanying the stroller/wagon will enter the ADA/Stroller Lane where Security personnel will wand that individual and check belongings. Children may remain in the stroller. All others in the party will need to go through metal detectors. 

Food and Beverage 
Keeneland Hospitality will offer limited food and beverage options during Sunrise Trackside: coffee, hot chocolate, sausage biscuits and donuts.

The Keeneland Track Kitchen is open year-round for a home-style breakfast.  Hours vary by season.

Limited quantities for medical or dietary restrictions are permitted. 

Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food are permitted at Keeneland. This applies to breast milk and formula cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs (regardless of presence of breast milk) and pumping equipment.  

A nursing station is located on the 2nd floor of the grandstand, located beside a Family Restroom, trackside elevator C. This space is equipped with two private nursing rooms, baby changing station, and a hand-washing station.