How to See the Triple Crown

Want to experience the ultimate in horse racing? Every spring the Triple Crown is the golden opportunity for equestrian enthusiasts. Whether in Millionaire's Row, in the infield, or near the TV, senses are excited as horse lovers cheer their favorites toward a Triple Crown victory. Putting yourself in the running for a seat at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes requires careful, advanced planning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Pick your venue of choice. As in all types of racing, the best seat in the house may be in front of your TV. Broadcast coverage offers the full scoop at a much less expensive price tag, and without the hassles of parking and traffic. On the other hand, the die-hard horse racing fan will be content with nothing less than a coveted seat in the grandstands.
2. Get a head start if pursuing the Triple Crown around the country is your cup of tea. Explore the websites of the 3 racetracks for ticket, seating and schedule details. Tickets may also be purchased from ticket brokers, but will be much more expensive than ordering from the home track. Package deals including tickets, hotel, breakfast, rental cars, gift bags, race day transportation and other perks are also available.
3. Research Kentucky Derby opportunities at least a year in advance. The first leg of the Triple Crown is held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Written ticket requests are accepted from May until early September each year for reserved seats, which are very hard to get. General admission is easier to come by, but it may mean standing in the infield. The "Run for the Roses" is the most difficult to get tickets for and the most expensive. It also offers a parking and traffic challenge, and less of a chance to actually see the horses off-track among the 3 races.
4. Investigate arrangements for the Preakness Stakes. This second Triple Crown event takes place at Pimlico Raceway in Baltimore, Maryland, in mid-May. Tickets may be ordered from the track by early January for reserved seating. On race day anyone can buy tickets, usually for standing-room-only in the infield. Parking reservations are also available until January to manage the restricted parking dilemma that is worse than the Derby. Overall, the Preakness may be a better choice than the Derby for ticket availability and crowd control.
5. Complete your Triple Crown pilgrimage with the Belmont Stakes. Make your way to Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, at the beginning of June for the third and last race. The Belmont is your best bet for the most positive Triple Crown experience. Belmont Park offers ample seating and standing room, a family picnic area, the most affordable tickets, a well-managed parking and traffic flow situation and unique opportunities to see the horses up close and personal. Those who meet the ticket order deadline are entered into a lottery for the most desired seating. Finish the Triple Crown with the "Run for the Carnations," and you might see your horse win all three.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to book your hotel room far in advance, and expect a typical 20-minute drive to the racetracks.
• Be careful about buying tickets outside of the racetracks. Ticket scalping is illegal in Kentucky where undercover cops deliver consequences both for the scalper and the buyer. Ticket forgery also takes place. Pay only the price printed on the ticket--and preferably from the ticket office itself.