Keeneland invites all current full-time college students to enjoy a special day at the races! This exciting event takes place one day each spring and fall, offering a unique experience filled with racing, prizes, giveaways, and much more!

Friday, October 10

Join Keeneland on October 10 in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. for activities including behind-the-scenes tours, photos, the Drake's Betting Challenge, beverages provided by Bad Ass Coffee and more. The first 2,000 students to visit the North Terrace will receive a free bag, t-shirt, and other swag. 

Reserved Grandstand Sections A and B are reserved for College Students to sit and enjoy the races.

Scholarships and prizes are selected via random drawing at each race.

Winners of the two (2) $10,000 scholarships must be present to win for a special winner's circle recognition.

What opportunities will be available?

Students who attend the races on October 10 and have their complimentary ticket scanned will have the opportunity to win scholarships and prizes. There will also be the opportunity to get free swag, mocktails, photos and more in the North Terrace!

Students will receive 15% off at the Keeneland Shop with a valid student ID.

Please Note: All students must attend the race day and have their ticket scanned by 3:00 p.m. at an admission gate to be entered to win all scholarships and prizes.

Where do the College Scholarship activities happen?

Start your day by visiting the North Terrace, which is where all of the College Scholarship Activities take place. For easiest entry, enter through the North Gate.

What time does it start?

Gates open at 11 a.m. and the North Terrace activities will be available from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Swag items will be given to the first 2,000 students. All students must have their ticket scanned by 3:00 p.m. to be eligible for scholarships and prizes.

The first race will begin at 1 p.m. and the last race concludes around 6 p.m. Races run approximately every 30 minutes.

Where can I sit?

Reserved Seating will be provided all day in Sections A and B of the Grandstand on a first come first serve basis.

When are scholarships given away?

A $2,000 scholarship will be given away during each of the 10 races that day. The (2) $10,000 scholarships will be given away at approximately around 3:00 p.m. that day. The exact time will be shared closer to the date.

How are scholarship winners notified?

Winners will be notified using the phone number provided at registration. Winners will also be announced on Instagram @Keenelandcollege.

Note: Keeneland provides complimentary guest wifi while you are on the grounds.

To view the full list of rules for College Scholarship Day registration, please click HERE.

Have questions? Contact us at (859) 254-3412

What are the race day times? 

Gates open each day at 11:00 a.m. First post is 1:00 p.m. daily. The number of races varies each day. End times can range from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. View the post time schedule here.

Where do I purchase tickets?

The only safe place to purchase tickets is from the official Keeneland ticket office at https://tickets.keeneland.com/racing-tickets/. Tickets bought outside of this website are being purchased through a third-party, unauthorized ticket reseller. When purchasing through these resale brokers, you may pay substantially more than face value and Keeneland cannot guarantee the validity of these tickets. Therefore, admittance to Keeneland is not guaranteed. Keeneland will not be able to assist with refunds or reprints. 

Can we pay cash at the gate? 

Keeneland no longer accepts cash at the main gates. You are encouraged to purchase online ahead of time for easy entry and to ensure attendance on your preferred date as tickets do sell out. When available, tickets may be purchased at the Information Center windows. The Information Center is located just outside the South Entrance.

Does Keeneland sell out? 

Keeneland currently caps attendance to maintain an optimal number within the gates. We encourage all those attending to purchase in advance, as tickets, including general admission, tend to sell out. If tickets sell out on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can still visit Keeneland’s official tailgate lot, The Hill, complete with tellers and a jumbo screen to watch the races.  

Is General Admission included for all Grandstand and Dining tickets? 

When purchasing Reserved Grandstand or Dining Room tickets, you do not need to buy an additional General Admission ticket. It is included in the ticket price. 

Does my child require a ticket? 

• General Admission Tickets: All children 12 and under do not require a ticket. 

•  Grandstand Tickets: Any child requiring a seat will need to purchase a ticket. We recommend you purchase a seat for anyone 24 months or older. 

•  Dining Room Tickets: Any child 24 months or older, who will require a chair, will need a ticket. 

What do I do if I lost or misplaced tickets? 

All spectators are welcome to email [email protected] if tickets are lost or misplaced. Tickets can be resent to the mobile phone or email on file, as well as reprinted and left at the Welcome Center. 

Can we get a refund on our tickets? 

All tickets can be returned for a full refund if the Ticket Office is notified 48 hours prior to your arrival date. If you need to return your tickets, please email [email protected]. 

When will I receive my tickets? 

When choosing to have your tickets sent to your mobile phone or email there will be a delay on receiving your tickets. All tickets will be sent 2-weeks prior to your arrival date.

What is the order fee?

There is a $3 order fee charged once per transaction. This fee covers ticketing operation costs such as software and bank fees.  

Is there a dress code for Keeneland? 

CASUAL
General Admission, Reserved Grandstand, Equestrian Room, Bluegrass Room & Lounge, Green Room
While there is no official dress code, guests are encouraged to dress in smart casual. Denim is permitted.  

BUSINESS FORMAL
Lexington/Kentucky Room, Phoenix Room, Stakes Lounge at the Lafayette Room, Keeneland Room, Corporate Suites, Clubhouse
Gentlemen: Tailored suit or sport coat and dress slacks. Dress shirt with collar and necktie. Dress shoes or loafers. Suit coats are expected to always remain on. Hats are to be removed when seated in the dining room. 
Ladies: Dress, dress top and skirt or pantsuits. One piece jumpsuits should fall below the knee. Dress shoes or dress sandals.  
Not Permitted: Denim regardless of color or type, this includes denim jackets or pants designed to resemble jeans; shorts, including rompers; athletic attire, including athleisure leggings; visible midriffs (defined as the mid-region of the torso between the chest and the waist); flip-flops; clothing with offensive or explicit messaging; sashes, badges, tiaras or other novelty items for birthdays or bachelor/bachelorette celebrations.

Does Keeneland provide Accessible seating/assistance? 

Keeneland provides wheelchair access for all spectators who may need assistance getting to their seats. Please check in with the Guest Services employees stationed outside the South Entrance. 

•  For those needing Accessibility assistance in the Reserved Grandstand there is an online form that can be filled out on the purchase page. Submissions will be answered by the Welcome Center staff within 24 hours. 

•  For those needing Accessibility assistance in the Dining Rooms there are several elevators located within the grounds that can take you to your floor. 

Does Keeneland provide Accessible parking?

Yes, anyone who may need assistance getting from the parking lot to the gates are welcome to use Accessible parking. Golf cart shuttles will run from the Accessible parking lot to the South Entrance. These golf cart shuttles are also available for anyone who parks in a different lot and take the shuttle to Shuttle Depot.

If you are arriving in a commercial bus, this bus can drop-off at Shuttle Depot and a golf cart will be available to take you to the South Entrance. Please note, no vehicles will be allowed to the South Entrance for drop-off.

Are service animals allowed into Keeneland? 

Only trained dogs who assist individuals with a disability, or are trained to perform a service, are allowed to enter the grounds. Emotional Support animals are not allowed access on the grounds. Keeneland follows the Federal Accessibility Laws regarding service animals. The health and safety of the horses is also a priority at Keeneland.  

What items can be brought into Keeneland? 

Allowed: 

• Folding Chairs are only permitted in general areas on the ground level; they are not permitted in the Clubhouse, Paddock area, or floors 2-4.

• Umbrellas (outdoors only) 

 

Not Allowed: 

• Outside Food/Drink 

• Coolers 

• Grills 

• Tents 

• Firearms and Weapons 

• Large Bags/Backpacks 

• Non-Service Animal pets

• Sports Equipment

• Balloons

• Large Camera Equipment, unless permitted by a media credential

View approved and prohibited items.

Can we tailgate at Keeneland?  

Keeneland has three tailgate options for its spectators. Learn more here. 

Is parking free? 

Yes. Free, public parking will be available in The Hill and The Meadow. For a map and more information visit Parking and Tailgating.

Can you place a bet with a Credit Card? 

No, all mutuel tellers and electronic betting machines only take Cash. ATMs are located throughout the grounds. However, you can also wager online through Keeneland’s mobile betting platform, Keeneland Select – download the app here.

Is Wi-Fi available at Keeneland? 

Spectators can log onto the free Keeneland Guest Wi-Fi when arriving. No password is needed. 

Is there free admission with Keeneland Select?

Yes, once you wager $500 or more within the last calendar year, you qualify for free general admission. You will receive a link to redeem your complimentary season pass once you qualify. You are no longer able to show your Keeneland Select mobile account or card at the admission gates to gain entry.

Maker's Mark Mile At Keeneland Race Course

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026 IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY

The Maker's Mark Mile Ambassador pre-sale begins Wednesday, January 14, at 8:30 a.m. and runs through Friday, January 23 at 12:00 p.m. Please follow the details below to request a reservation.

Grandstand Reserved Seating Details and Purchasing Procedures

Reservation requests for the grandstand reserved seating will close to Maker's Mark Ambassadors on Friday, January 23 at 12:00 noon EST, or at such time Ambassador reserved Grandstand Sections are sold out.

Price: $25 each, which includes general admission and a reserved seat

Please be aware: Grandstand tickets will be limited to six (6) reserved seats per Ambassador. Race day programs will be distributed in the Ambassador grandstand sections at approximately 11:15 a.m. on race day. Programs are limited.

To order: Click here and use promo code MMRACE2026 to access the pre-sale tickets for Ambassadors, beginning Wednesday, January 14 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Seats ARE LIMITED, so we ask that you do NOT forward this code to any non-Ambassador friends. Once the seats are gone, they’re gone, and we don’t want any of you to miss out! 

For ticketing information please contact [email protected].

For event details or ambassador related questions, please contact [email protected]