Today I was thinking about making a map for Churchill Downs, so I just started doing it.

First, I went online to look for some basic info, like what businesses are around there. I found some reviews and guides talking about the seating options, which is kinda useful. Also found out that if you’re staying in a hotel in Louisville, visiting Churchill Downs is probably a good idea. There are some tips on what to expect and how to get the most out of your visit, sounds good to me!
Then I started thinking about what to wear. It seems like there are some rules, you know. Like, no jeans, shorts, t-shirts, crop tops, athletic wear, swimwear, or flip-flops. It’s like they want people to dress up a bit, which is fair I guess. It’s a big event, the Kentucky Derby, so people should look decent.
I also read that the Kentucky Derby happens rain or shine, and a lot of the seating is outdoors and uncovered. So, you gotta be prepared for any kind of weather. Oh, and it gets super crowded, like over 150,000 people! They take safety and security seriously, which is good to know.
One thing that caught my eye was this “Millionaires Row” thing. Apparently, you can sit in the same seats as some big-shot racing fans. It’s got a tiered balcony with a view of the finish line. That sounds pretty fancy, but probably costs a fortune.
I made a note of the important locations, like where to find food, restrooms, and first aid. Then I started sketching out the layout on paper, just a rough draft to get an idea of where everything is. Oh, and I remembered to mark the entrances and exits, that’s super important.

Next, I made it more detailed. I added things like concession stands, betting windows, and the paddock area where they show off the horses. I tried to make it as accurate as possible, but of course, it’s not perfect. After all, I haven’t been to every corner of the place.
- Find local businesses.
- Seating options reviews.
- Tips for visiting Churchill Downs.
- Dress code.
- Kentucky Derby is a rain or shine event.
- Crowd and safety.
- Millionaires Row.
After that, I spent some time refining the map, making sure everything was in the right place and easy to understand. Finally, I was happy with how it turned out. It’s not a professional map or anything, but I think it’s pretty good for a first try. Maybe I’ll even use it myself someday if I ever go to the Kentucky Derby. Or maybe I’ll just keep it as a fun little project I did. Who knows!