Kentucky Tag

The 138th Running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 5, 2012. There is no other event in the world that offers more exciting moments than the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

2012 Kentucky Derby Packages are Now Available with Low Deposits!

2012 Kentucky Derby Packages are available for first time guests and experienced attendees. Enjoy the Derby with these great inclusions:

- Hotel accommodations in the Louisville area
- Guaranteed Tickets to the 2012 Kentucky Derby
- Transportation to Churchill Downs on race day
- Selected Meals
- Options on Kentucky Oaks Tickets, Welcome Receptions, & Ticket Upgrades

Sports Traveler is also offering Horse Farm Tours to the 2012 Kentucky Derby. These packages provide you with a behind the scenes look at various horse farms in the Lexington area during the week of Derby.

Kentucky Derby Horse Farm Tour Packages offer many great amenities including:

- Deluxe Accommodations in the Lexington area
- Guaranteed Tickets to the Kentucky Oaks & Derby

While the Kentucky Derby (and Oaks) is the crown jewel of Louisville, the party starts wellbefore the races. Several exciting events dot the calendar in the weeks leading up to the most exciting 2 minutes in sports.

The first thing to do before landing in Louisville is learn how to pronounce the name of the city...unless you enjoy getting the evil eye from the locals. It's correctly pronounced "LOO-uh-ville"...not "LOO-iss-ville" or "LOOY-ville."  Can't pronounce the pronunciations? Click here for the audio pronunciation.

On Friday, April 29th, the Great Balloon Rush-Hour Race is set for a hopeful 7 a.m. start, weather permitting of course. During the rally, balloon pilots chase a "hare" balloon and attempt to drop bags of Kentucky Bluegrass seed as close to a target on the ground as possible. Take a look here for several other hot air balloon-related events, including "The Glimmer" which takes place at night.

A few days before the Derby on Wednesday, May 4th a race of a different

Pundits can argue all day about how the NCAA chose the teams in this year's NCAA Tournament, but they nailed it when they chose the host city. Houston may be the perfect place to host a large event like the Final Four. It is, after all, the fourth largest city in the United States and has all the entertainment and dining opportunities a hoops traveler could ask for.

H-town has really stepped it up for this year's edition of what is arguably the best sporting event of the year. Some big names are already committed to play during the three-night concert series creatively dubbed "The Big Dance" in the city's Discovery Green area. Here's a schedule with a look at who's headlining on each particular day:

• Friday ,April 1 (4:00-10:30): Sublime with Rome (basically the 90's-band Sublime with new lead singer Rome Ramirez)
• Saturday, April 2 (6:00 to midnight): Kings of Leon
• Sunday, April 3 (2:00-10:30): Kenny Chesney(Pat Greene is also reportedly playing this day)

Besides the music, abundant food

With a capacity of 150,000 people, there are many seating options at Churchill Downs. Many people have a difficult time trying to decide on where to sit. Guess what, I don't blame you. For most people, attending the Kentucky Derby has been a dream and when it comes to where to sit, of course you want the best possible section.

Before you go ahead and purchase your Kentucky Derby seats, let me help make the decision much easier for you!

1. Clubhouse vs. Grandstand Seating: This seems to be the most popular question with people making their first trip to the Derby. The Grandstand offers standard bleacher seating with no backs, however, the Clubhouse offers seating with chair backs. Keep in mind that the Clubhouse seating is A LOT more comfortable than the Grandstand. The Clubhouse also offers better amenities including more food & drink options, plus easier access to the betting tables and restrooms.

   Clubhouse seating is located closer to the finish line in sections 111-118, 212, 218, 220,

The Kentucky Derby cannot be compared to any other event in North America. The thrill of the horses coming down the finish line, the ambiance of Churchill Downs, or the taste of a freshly made mint julep makes this event second to none.

Sports Traveler is offering NEW Packages to the Kentucky Derby!

The new Kentucky Derby Packages offer more options and includes the following amenities:

- Accommodations in the Louisville area
- Your Choice of Seating to the Kentucky Derby & Oaks
- Roundtrip Transfers to Churchill Downs
- Various Meals
- Options on Rental Cars & Derby Club Passes

View 2011 Kentucky Derby Packages

Start booking your 2011 Breeders Cup Packages at famous Churchill Downs. See the best horses in the racing circuit in Louisville, Kentucky next November 4-5.

Deposits are now available as low as $29 per person