How And Where To Watch The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is without a doubt not only the longest continual annual sporting even in U.S. History, the by now legendary “Run for the Roses” is also far and away the most well attended sporting event in the country to date. Indeed, nearly 170,000 people or more from all over the nation, not to mention the world, are expected to descend on Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, in time for Derby Week this year, and millions more are expected to tune in to watch a broadcast of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” With that many horse racing fans – and we have to believe that millions of horseplayers are in their number looking to catch the action – we here at LegalKentuckyDerby.com decided to fill you in on how and where to watch the Kentucky Derby.
We’ll cover such topics as checking out the historic horse race in person at Churchill Downs, what TV networks are running a broadcast, where you can find a live stream of the race on the internet and even some of the options available when it comes to watching the race and betting on it via simulcast. You’ll find all that and more here in our guide to how and where to watch the Kentucky Derby.
There is simply no room for debate: the best way to watch the Kentucky Derby is to see it in its original and intended context, and that means you will have to hit the road for Louisville in time for Derby Week. Watching the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is an experience like no other – imagine 150,000 people and more all crammed into the historic grandstands and grounds of the racetrack to see the colts fly out of the gates and around the massive 10 furlong track. Meanwhile you are enjoying all the people watching you can handle – the ostentatious hats the ladies are fond of wearing alone is worth the price of admission – all while sipping on a famous Kentucky mint julep.
If you can think of something better than that on Derby Day, then we can’t imagine what it is. There is just something about the atmosphere at the track that cannot be beaten by the other options for watching the race, even if they are more convenient, technically speaking.
However, if going to Churchill downs is how and where you want to watch the Kentucky Derby, then that means you will have to make some travel arrangements, buy your tickets, dress up super nice (you don’t want to under dress to this elite affair) and so on. It’s a lot to take in for sure, but if you head over to http://kentuckyderby.com you can still take a look at the packages the event organizers are offering in advance of Derby Week. Just be prepared to shell out some major cash (and it wouldn’t hurt to see if you can get an AirBNB lined up too because the hotels are probably booked out by now.
All in all, watching the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is an experience that every serious horseplayer should aim to have at least once, but don’t feel bad if you would rather skip all he hassle and watch the Run for the Roses via other means. If you are interested in legal Kentucky Derby betting in any capacity, you will save money if you make a more cost effective choice of how and where to watch the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby broadcast on TV annually runs from 2:30 pm until 7:30 pm on NBC. The broadcast includes many highlights and historical pieces that can make any bettor feel like an expert before placing their bets at Bovada, BetOnline, or wherever they choose to bet on the ponies. After “The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports” is completed, there are many experts and replays shown to ensure that players know who won and how it happened at Churchill Downs.
Another positive about watching the Kentucky Derby on NBC is the preliminary race, the Kentucky Oaks. The Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby have been two of the longest-running horse races in the United States. They both began in 1875 at the Louisville Jockey Club, which is now called the Churchill Downs Racetrack (the home of both races). The Derby began on May 17, 1875, while the Oaks took place two days later on May 19, 1875. That two-day advantage has made the Kentucky Derby the most prestigious race in horse racing, but the history of the Kentucky Oaks makes it a must-watch on the NBC broadcast as well.
In the modern streaming era, watching the Kentucky Derby online has never been easier. Viewers can watch full versions of the entire NBC broadcast through either the Peacock App on their smart devices or the NBC Sports app as well. These broadcasts may be delayed by a few seconds or so relative to the television feeds, so bettors would be wise to put down their phones as we get closer to race time to avoid any spoilers. TwinSpires also offers a live stream of the Kentucky Derby.
If you’re going to be betting on the Kentucky Derby online, you may as well watch the race online too, making these options all fantastic choices for your horseplaying needs. However, we should point out that offshore racebook sites like Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting, while all offering highly competitive Kentucky Derby current odds and plenty of deposit options (and accompanying bonus offers) are not generally going to have a simulcast of the race on their respective sites.
It should not be a huge deal breaker, however, as you can just as easily open another tab on your browser or flip on the TV set and watch the race after locking in your wager. It is just something worth pointing out if you are wondering where and how to watch the Kentucky Derby at your favorite legal offshore horse racing betting sites.
Offshore Kentucky Derby betting sites are a one-stop-shop for players looking to bet on the Derby and watch it all in one place. Players can find current Kentucky Derby odds and then immediately head to the streaming section as the gates open. SportsBetting offers a live streaming button (it looks like a TV screen) for many of the biggest horse racing events in the United States, making it the best sportsbook to live stream the Kentucky Derby.
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