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Tips: 2013 Thunder over Louisville on April 20

Published On Apr 15, 2013

Disappointing news was announced on March 30 concerning Thunder over Louisville 2013. Now that the Blue Angels air show has been cut due to the military budget issues, many Thunder tourists are wondering what they will do all afternoon on April 20 while waiting for the fireworks to begin. Furthermore, first time visitors may not be aware of the traffic issues that Thunder over Louisville creates.

Thankfully, DerbyBetting.org has writers that have lived near Downtown Louisville over the past two decades. In order to make sure that your 2013 Thunder over Louisville is as stress-free as possible, take a look at the following tips.

Do not get trapped in the noise

Even if you are a resident of Louisville, you may not be aware that the Ohio River Valley is an excellent way to trap sound. This means that you will be surrounded by loud noises and amplified music once the fireworks go off after dark. If you or a small child has a problem with this type of noise, you may want to avoid watching Thunder over Louisville on the riverfront. Naturally, your family dog may also want to stay at home instead of partying with you that day.

Expect to need a good pair of walking shoes

You may be able to drive and park in Downtown Louisville for Thunder over Louisville, but you can expect to walk a considerable distance between the two spots. For Thunder, most people will drop off their family at Waterfront Park and then they will go hunting for a parking space. Since Downtown Louisville is a business district, this usually does not take terribly long. Nevertheless, the person parking the car will want to take comfortable walking shoes for the hike. Also, keep in mind that picking up everyone after Thunder over Louisville in the same place you drop them off earlier in the day will not be possible due to the crowds.

Take your own chairs

Waterfront Park in Downtown Louisville is the prime spectator location for Thunder. Each year, this area reaches maximum capacity with blankets and chairs dispersed throughout the great lawn. In order to maintain your spot, you will need to include some strategy. Primarily, you will need someone to stay with your blanket throughout the day. This will allow your party to go to the bathroom, get some food, and walk around to participate in some of the activities.

What to bring to Waterfront Park for Thunder

When you are planning to spend all day at Waterfront Park to watch Thunder over Louisville, it pays to know what you should and should not bring. Helpful items that will make your experience enjoyable are bottled water, a luggage carrier (for transporting items to the park from your car), sun block, an umbrella, sun-blocking hats, snacks, and trash bags. Depending on the weather, you may want to bring a tarp or plastic barrier to sit on. Unhelpful items to bring to Thunder over Louisville include fireworks, grills, and obvious containers of alcohol.

Plan your exit strategy wisely

After Thunder concludes, Louisville is congested with traffic for several hours after the event. Instead of sitting in the car, consider staying in Downtown, Frankfort Avenue, Old Louisville, or the Highlands for the Thunder after-parties. Although many of these parties are related to alcohol, many sit-down restaurants are not following this theme. One popular pedestrian location after Thunder will be Fourth Street Live.

Things for kids to do while waiting for Thunder

Since the Blue Angels will not be having their air show during the afternoon, many parents are wondering what they will do with their kids before the 2013 Thunder over Louisville event. In the past, it was easy to have the kids settle down on the blanket and watch the show. This year, most activities will be disbursed throughout the park. This means that parents might need extra adults for this year’s Thunder to ensure that the afternoon goes smoothly. Along with looking at the Belle of Louisville, the skate park is just around the corner from Waterfront Park. Naturally, in lieu of the air show, entrepreneurs will be likely to offer activities that kids will enjoy.

2013 Foodie Chow Wagon Preview

Published On Apr 13, 2013

As one of the greatest horse racing events of the year, many fans of the Kentucky Derby show up early to enjoy the festivities that kickoff three weeks before it begins. In particular, the Chow Wagon food event held at Waterfront Park in Downtown Louisville is of paramount importance. Sponsored by the Kentucky Derby Festival, it is considered one of the best ways to preview all of the top-notch food that Louisville has to offer. For tourists, there are rare treats that include local Kentucky fare such as pulled pork, barbecued mutton, and a stew called Burgoo. To ensure they you have all of the details, tips for the 2013 Chow Wagon are listed below. Kentucky Derby Chow Wagon

Official Chow Wagon information

Figuring out which restaurants will be participating in the Chow Wagon is always difficult. Part of the allure of the event is anticipating what you are going to eat. However, it is not all surprises and the Kentucky Derby Festival does a terrific job of posting relevant information to the 2013 Chow Wagon Facebook event page. Any official information or sudden changes are likely to be announced there first. The most valuable thing to know is that the Chow Wagon begins on Wednesday, April 24 and lasts until Friday, May 3.

Old favorites at the Kentucky Derby Chow Wagon

Throughout America, the idea of festival food is a little bit different depending on which state you are visiting. For Kentucky, you will have much more than the barbecue and Burgoo specialties that are frequently listed in association with the Chow Wagon. By gleaning information from photographs of past years, it is safe to assume that you will see plenty of funnel cakes and fried butter at the 2013 Chow Wagon.

Special food guests at the Chow Wagon

If you attended the Chow Wagon last year, you probably noticed that there were a large number of notable Louisville food-related guests at the event. For example, Louisville is the place where Bigelow Tea is manufactured, and they usually make a distinct point of showing up at the Chow Wagon. While there are few announcements in advance about freebies, samples, and coupons, do not be surprised if you leave the Chow Wagon with a few extra smiles.

The 2013 Chow Wagon Fest-A-Ville Music Series

Thanks to sponsorship by Kroger’s and Miller Light, the Chow Wagon is able to host music concerts at Waterfront Park. The music begins on Saturday, April 27 (three days after the Chow Wagon opens) and is free of charge. This means that you can eat your food while watching live music. Most of the music events start between 7 PM and 9 PM, and there are six concerts altogether.

More Info Here: http://www.wdrb.com/story/21785375/ky-derby-festival-announces-fest-a-ville-concert-lineup

April 27 – 9 PM, Uncle Kracker

April 28 – 7 PM, Christian Contemporary Concert

April 29 – No show (Monday)

April 30 – 9 PM, RhythmFest with Cameo

May 1 – 7 PM, Wild Wednesday with The Features

May 2 – 9 PM, The Wallflowers

May 3 – 8:30 PM, Surprise Country Music Superstar Concert

A few final pieces of Chow Wagon advice

The Chow Wagon is open from 11 AM to 11 PM every day except Sunday. Sunday hours are 1 PM to 11 PM.
You need to have a 2013 Pegasus Pin to enter the Chow Wagon area.
With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in the Chow Wagon area.
Do not bring your own food or drinks into the Chow Wagon or Fest-A-Ville areas.

Buy 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets

Published On Jan 1, 2012

Millionaires Row

Pricing starts at $5,000

Luxury is the tone of the premier seats found at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and it is found brimming at Millionaires Row. Movie stars, queens, and corporate elites all gather in this box to view the winning moments of the race from the best viewpoint in the racetrack.

With these quarters comes other high-end expectations including service and gourmet food. Only the best wines and liquor will be served and you can be guaranteed a wide range of free amenities. Rub elbows with the rich and famous from the viewing perch and place your wagers from inside Millionaires Row. Due to the high quality shown during Derby Day, the only thing you and your guests will need to do is relax.

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Grandstand – Orange SOLD OUT

Pricing starts at $250

Grandstand Orange tickets are the perfect choice for viewing the race across from the 8th pole. You will be able to take photos of the final stretch and access the indoor venue spaces. Inside, you can watch the race via simulcast TV and see some of the world’s most famous socialites and celebrities. From these facilities, you can place wagers on the Kentucky Derby from self-service kiosks.

Of course, like other higher-priced tickets for the day include the finest food and wine for the premiere event of the year.

Grandstand – Red SOLD OUT

Pricing starts at $150

For great photos of the starting line and the final stretch without paying for a high priced ticket, the Grandstand Red is right for you. Many of the seats are under cover and all of the seating gains you access to the indoor venue. When the sun beats down on you, take a break in a temperature-controlled environment complete with your favorite drink.

You can place a wager at a kiosk and watch the coverage of the race on the air. As you sit and dine on gourmet options, you can expect entrances made by Churchill Downs VIPs visiting the Kentucky Derby.

Grandstand – Green SOLD OUT

Pricing starts at $130

Across from the 8th pole, you will have a boosted view of the final stretch and the starting line of the race. While these sections are not covered, your access to the main facility offers a wide selection of services. You will be able to place bets, watch news coverage of the Kentucky Derby, and see celebrities arriving at Churchill Downs. Most importantly, you will sip on the finest Mint Juleps and select from the most delectable menu items in Louisville.

Kentucky Oaks ONLY Packages

Pricing starts at $130

Each Kentucky Derby contains an important component the day before called the Oaks Day race. While the fillies run for the lilies, you will be able to watch from a variety of seating locations for a reduced price. The tickets may have a lower cost, but the amenities are the signature luxury that you can expect from Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Oaks Race Day Only Packages

Trophy Room Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $800
Mint Clubhouse Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $500
Orange Grandstand Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $250
Red Grandstand Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $150
Yellow Clubhouse Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $150
Green Grandstand Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $130

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Infield

Pricing starts at $25

Although there are few formal seating areas, you are allowed to bring your own folding chairs to the Infield. Located at the very center of the race track at Churchill Downs, you will be mingling with thousands of other fans that are there at this special opening of the Infield.

When you need a break from the Mardi Gras spirit of the Infield, you can explore the rest of Churchill Downs. You will have plenty of chances to mingle during the day before the race and visit the indoor facilities. There are also standing room only options for this general admission Kentucky Derby ticket.

Just like ticket holders to the Grandstand and the Club Houses, you will be able to buy food and drinks, place a bet, and meet the finest dressed citizens of the world.

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