Going to the infield...yeah, I know.

So, a good friend of mine has decided on a last minute trip here for Derby. He's never been, and he wants to see what the infield is all about and I think in a moment of weakness I agreed to take him.

What time to people go usually? He asked if we have to go super early to get a spot and I honestly had no idea. Any other tips? Am I completely nuts for doing this?

Get in line by 10 AM, Jesse.

The gates open at 8am on Derby Day, and many people are there early to stake out prime spots along the Infield rail...the Infield is not quite as "wide open" as it once was, in terms of available space or hedonism, but pockets of bacchanalia remain....general admission is $40pp, but if you can spare $150pp, the "Infield Club" bills itself as providing a somewhat more upscale Infield experience.

Thanks for the information everyone. It is was very helpful in terms of me being able to pass on the protocol to my out-of-town friends. They are excited for their first Derby and appreciate the tips from the locals.

I, on the other hand, have chickened out of going with them, and by "chickened out" I mean "will enjoy the race during a potluck dinner at a friend's house in the Highlands."