How to Watch a Triple Crown Race Live

In horse racing, the Triple Crown consists of three races that include the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. These races take place in Kentucky, Maryland and New York, respectively starting in May and running through early June. Every year, rowdy fans rush the infields and the grandstands to watch the fastest 3-year-old horses compete for the most prestigious titles in horse racing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check the sports section or TV guide section of your local newspaper for listings. Look for Kentucky Derby listings on the first Saturday in May, Preakness Stakes listings on the third Saturday in May and Belmont Stakes listings in early June.
2. Hit your local racetrack and watch one of the three Triple Crown races live. Enjoy the race with fellow fans on the big screen, and you may just get a better view of the results than if you were there in person.
3. Request tickets in advance for the Kentucky Derby at the official website for Churchill Downs (see Resources below). Nothing compares to the experience of watching a live horse race from the top of the grandstand or from the infield. If you miss out on reserved tickets, you can show up on race day and pick up general admission tickets from gate number 3. You won't have access to the paddock area or the reserved seating areas, but you will get a once-in-a-lifetime crowd experience.
   
4. Book a plane ticket for Baltimore, Maryland and watch the Preakness Stakes live from the infield or the Grandstand. Buy tickets in advance at the official website for the Pimlico racetrack (see Resources below). You can also pick up tickets on race day by showing up at the track. Be sure to get there well before the opening time of 8:30 a.m.
5. Request tickets for the last leg of the Triple Crown series, the Belmont Stakes (see Resources below). Pick up tickets at the gate on race day. Keep in mind that the Belmont Stakes is the most affordable of the Triple Crown tickets, but tickets go fast if a horse is vying for a Triple Crown. Travel to the race by Long Island Rail if you want to avoid the parking hassle.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not bring your own beer, wine or any other type of alcohol to the Belmont Stakes. It will be confiscated.