Louisville Tourism and Churchill Downs Release Details for Great Gatsby-Inspired Opening Night

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2025): Louisville Tourism and Churchill Downs are teaming up for a Great Gatsby-inspired Opening Night at the historic racetrack. Taking place on April 26, the occasion will mark the kick-off to Churchill’s 2025 live racing season and a week of celebration leading up to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. The theme for this year’s Opening Night is The Great Gatsby, A Louisville Legacy, honoring the city’s ties to the classic American novel which turns 100 years old this April. Channeling the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, the evening will draw inspiration from the novel, setting the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition, and celebration.

Gates for Opening Night powered by LG&E and KU will open at 4PM with the first live race starting at 5PM. For the second year in a row, the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Post Position Draw presented by Ford will take place live during Opening Night on the second floor of the Paddock Terrace, announcing the gate numbers and positions for the qualifying 2025 Kentucky Oaks and Derby contenders.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire and are invited to participate in a Great Gatsby-inspired fashion contest to showcase their best flapper dresses, dapper suits, and sparkling accessories that embody the opulence and style of the Jazz Age. From lavish beading to feathered headbands, or iconic cloche hats, each ensemble should reflect the extravagant fashion trends that F. Scott Fitzgerald vividly described in his literary masterpiece. The winner(s) of the contest will receive yet-to-be-announced prizes from Churchill Downs.

Other event highlights include Louisville Tourism’s The Great Gatsby Experience, which will include a variety of local attractions and the organization's newly unveiled mobile Visitor Center. Pop-up activations from the Belle of Louisville and the Waterfront Botanical Gardens will be on display, adding a touch of history and over-the-top florals to the newly renovated Paddock area, and the Kentucky Derby Museum will showcase Derby artifacts from the 1920s.

Churchill Downs is offering an Opening Night two-person Ticket Package for $599 (to ages 21+) that includes:

● Two (2) Spires Terrace Dining Tickets - Positioned under the iconic Twin Spires, The Spires Terrace offers a dual view of the racetrack and Paddock area allowing guests to enjoy both the racing action as well as the pre-race preparations. Includes Chef’s Table buffet and Gates-to-Last-Call Bar Package.

● One (1) night stay for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Derby City Gaming & Hotel - Owned and operated by Churchill Downs, enjoy over 1,300 games, race and sports book, sports and stage bar, casual dining, and more. Room types include Luxury King, Luxury King ADA, and Luxury Double Queen. As sold, options become less available.

● Exclusive Room 20 Speakeasy Visit & Cocktail or Bourbon Tasting at Churchill Downs.

● Complimentary Onsite Parking.

General admission for Opening Night powered by LG&E and KU at Churchill Downs Racetrack costs $24 with reserved seating starting at $32. Tickets can be purchased online, here. For information on upcoming The Great Gatsby-themed events, tours, the newly unveiled Great Gatsby Suite at the Seelbach Hotel, and other information, including a Gatsby’s Guide to Louisville, visit www.gotolouisville.com/Gatsby.