DOWNS, EDWARD SMITH, WLKY NEWS. THANK YOU EDWARD. AND FOR SOME LOCALS AND OUT OF TOWNERS, THE INFIELD REMAINS THE MOST AFFORDABLE WAY TO WATCH THE DERBY UP CLOSE. SHAQUILLE LORD CONTINUES TEAM COVERAGE WITH A LOOK AT THE FUN IN THE INFIELD. WE KNOW THE WEATHER CONDITIONS AREN’T IDEAL. IT’S A LITTLE BIT GLOOMY, A LITTLE BIT CHILLY, BUT THAT IS NOT STOPPING THE INFIELD FUN. WE SAW A LOT OF FIRST TIMERS OUT IN THE INFIELD ON DERBY DAY, MANY WHO TRAVELED FROM FAR AND WIDE. WE’RE FROM THE GREAT STATE OF IDAHO, AND THIS HAS BEEN A CHILDHOOD DREAM OF MINE AND ALVARO’S TO COME HERE. AND WE FINALLY MADE IT. WE GREW UP IN A IN A TINY LITTLE TOWN IN MONTANA, AND THEN WE SCATTERED FOR WORK AND ANY CHANCE FOR US TO GET BACK TOGETHER, WE POUNCE ON IT. EVEN RAN INTO THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND HIMSELF, COLONEL SANDERS. THIS ONE, THOUGH, IS FROM PHILLY. WE TOLD OUR BUDDIES WE WERE GOING TO THE DERBY. WE’VE BEEN TO THE PREAKNESS, BEEN TO THE BELMONT. SO THIS TOPS OFF THE TRIPLE CROWN. AND HE SAID YOU SHOULD DRESS LIKE COLONEL SANDERS. AND HERE I AM. AND FOR THESE FIRST TIME VISITORS, THE INFIELD IS THE PLACE TO BE. AVERAGE TICKET PRICES IN THE INFIELD MORE THAN $120 A TICKET. BEAUTIFUL VENUE, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. GREAT VIBE. YEAH. WE’RE JUST HAVING SO MUCH FUN. AND FOR EVAN AND HIS LOVED ONES, THEY’RE HERE CELEBRATING HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY. AND THE ONLY WAY TO DO IT IS TO CELEBRATE IT IN STYLE. WE ALWAYS GET TOGETHER FOR THESE BIG EVENTS, AND WE WANTED TO FIND A FUN ONE TO DO. SO KENTUCKY DERBY CHECKED ALL THE BOXES AND HERE WE ARE. AND WE CAN’T FORGET THIS GUY WHO IS CELEBRATING A BIRTHDAY AS WELL. AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY INSPIRATION IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF
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Crowds fill infield at Kentucky Derby despite chilly weather
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Updated: 11:38 PM EDT May 2, 2026
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There was no shortage of crowds in the infield at Kentucky Derby, as fans packed Churchill Downs despite cloudy skies and chilly temperatures.The infield, known for its high-energy atmosphere, drew attendees from across the country. This year, the average ticket price for infield access exceeded $120, reflecting strong demand for one of horse racing’s most iconic events.Weather conditions did little to dampen spirits. Fans bundled up and continued to celebrate, many checking a long-awaited experience off their bucket lists.“We’re from the great state of Idaho, and it’s been a childhood dream of mine and Alvaro’s to come here, and we finally made it,” said Cody, who attended the event with friends.For others, the trip was about going all out.“First time coming here, and we wanted to do it up right, so we went all out,” said Dave Dakota.Officials have yet to release official attendance figures for this year’s race, but early signs point to another strong turnout for the historic event.
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<strong class="dateline">LOUISVILLE, Ky. —</strong> There was no shortage of crowds in the infield at Kentucky Derby, as fans packed Churchill Downs despite cloudy skies and chilly temperatures.
The infield, known for its high-energy atmosphere, drew attendees from across the country. This year, the average ticket price for infield access exceeded $120, reflecting strong demand for one of horse racing’s most iconic events.
Weather conditions did little to dampen spirits. Fans bundled up and continued to celebrate, many checking a long-awaited experience off their bucket lists.
“We’re from the great state of Idaho, and it’s been a childhood dream of mine and Alvaro’s to come here, and we finally made it,” said Cody, who attended the event with friends.
For others, the trip was about going all out.
“First time coming here, and we wanted to do it up right, so we went all out,” said Dave Dakota.
Officials have yet to release official attendance figures for this year’s race, but early signs point to another strong turnout for the historic event.
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