Big change for Keeneland’s Spring Meet: Here’s where you’ll have to pay to park

Janet Patton
·2 min read

Brace yourselves, racing fans: This year’s spring meet at Keeneland will be a bit different.

The racetrack, which has begun a $93 million renovation that won’t be completed until the Fall Meet in 2025, has said racing won’t be impacted. But what will be impacted: Parking.

The renovation plans announced in October will eliminate some parking permanently when new structures, including new Paddock entrance and buildings, are built.

A rendering of the paddock building entrance as it will appear after the $93 million renovation at Keeneland that will add a new dining, seating and venue area wrapping around the paddock and saddling stalls.
A rendering of the paddock building entrance as it will appear after the $93 million renovation at Keeneland that will add a new dining, seating and venue area wrapping around the paddock and saddling stalls.

But racing fans are learning there will be some parking changes now: Keeneland announced that parking in paved rows will be by paid permit only.

Where you need a track parking permit at Keeneland

According to the track’s website, a limited number of paved lot/row parking spaces are available daily and must be purchased online in advance. Permits are $10 for Wednesdays or Thursdays and $20 for Fridays, Saturday or Sundays. Currently the only parking option to purchase are in the Green Lot, not the Gold Lot.

Handicapped parking, which also is in the paved rows, will remain free but there are no reservations.

Keeneland has announced that paved row parking will require a paid permit this year due to construction. The Green and Gold lots will require parking permits. Handicap parking will remain free.
Keeneland has announced that paved row parking will require a paid permit this year due to construction. The Green and Gold lots will require parking permits. Handicap parking will remain free.

Parking in the Meadow and the Hill grass lots will still be free and shuttles will run continuously to bring patrons to the shuttle depot, which will be on Keeneland Boulevard. Fans will need to walk from there around the construction zone or the sales pavilion to the grandstand entrances.

There is a separate spot for ride share pick ups and drop offs.

According to a map on the track’s website, paved parking near the Track Kitchen does not appear to be impacted.

Buses transported guests from “The Hill” at Keeneland in 2018. The field parking will remain free with continuous shuttles available.
Buses transported guests from “The Hill” at Keeneland in 2018. The field parking will remain free with continuous shuttles available.

Where to buy tickets for Keeneland

The 16-day Spring Meet is April 5-26, with first post at 1 p.m., except for April 26, when the first post will be 12:30 p.m. There is no racing on Mondays and Tuesdays.

A record $8.1 million in purses will be awarded for 19 stakes races including the 100th running of the $1 million Toyota Blue Grass stakes on opening weekend on Saturday.

Keeneland’s Spring Meet, April 5-26, will look different due to a $93 million construction project. One big change: Paid permit parking in paved rows nearest the track, except for handicap parking.
Keeneland’s Spring Meet, April 5-26, will look different due to a $93 million construction project. One big change: Paid permit parking in paved rows nearest the track, except for handicap parking.

Tickets are available to buy online at tickets.keeneland.com in advance for general admission, grandstand seating and dining options.

Tailgating on The Hill will return on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; no ticket or reservation is required for The Hill.