Going to the Derby for the first time as a spectator.. Anything I should know?

Smutzc

Well-known member
Goi g to the Derby for the first time, going to spend 2 days there, 27th and 28th. Any advice or tips that I should know ? Thanks in advance
 
Bring some snacks with you. Food is not all that hot and expensive as shit.

What he said. Bring food and drinks. The casino is in the middle of NOWHERE and the restaurants in the casino close pretty early in the evening. Food poisoning seems to be common place too. Even running to the nearest gas station is like an hour round trip. As a spectator you end up walking a ton as you never know where a good match will happen after the tournament day is over. During tournament hours if you want a good view/seat for a match get there early. I suspect it will be an action packed year so good luck getting much sleep.
 
You could sign up for the nine ball event for $160 I believe and have a great time for not much more then being a spectator. Plus you are certainly close to all the action. And like the others have said, bring some food for the room to save a few bucks, and some booze if you desire
 
Make a WalMart stop before you drive down. Load up on water, booze if you drink, pop, snacks, sandwich makings, etc. I took some white styrofoam cups, tossed in some bourbon and ice and a coke. Take a couple bags of peanuts/chips and i was ready to sweat some pool. Me and my buddy must have saved at least 300 while we were there. Our room looked like some low-rent convenience store. ;)
 
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I really am going in blind, do I have to buy tickets at the door just to spectate? Or do I have to buy these in advance ?
 
What he said. Bring food and drinks. The casino is in the middle of NOWHERE and the restaurants in the casino close pretty early in the evening. Food poisoning seems to be common place too. Even running to the nearest gas station is like an hour round trip. As a spectator you end up walking a ton as you never know where a good match will happen after the tournament day is over. During tournament hours if you want a good view/seat for a match get there early. I suspect it will be an action packed year so good luck getting much sleep.
It looks like the casino is only 20 minutes from downtown Louisville and even closer to the Louisville suburbs in Indiana?
 
My buddy and I have been going since it started. We park on top floor by the door for easy access to cooler full of goodies. We hit the Kroger deli and snack isle. Ham sandwiches and chips and all kinds of snacks. Loaf of bread and we are set. You can spend a lot of cash just in hotel and eats and if you window shop at the items they have you can drop some serious dough. Like some one said. You can pay entry into the 9 ball and get free admission And enjoy the event. We have always witnessed some unique bets and late nite action. Enjoy
 
My buddy and I have been going since it started. We park on top floor by the door for easy access to cooler full of goodies. We hit the Kroger deli and snack isle. Ham sandwiches and chips and all kinds of snacks. Loaf of bread and we are set. You can spend a lot of cash just in hotel and eats and if you window shop at the items they have you can drop some serious dough. Like some one said. You can pay entry into the 9 ball and get free admission And enjoy the event. We have always witnessed some unique bets and late nite action. Enjoy
That’s a great idea thanks for the tips
 
Goi g to the Derby for the first time, going to spend 2 days there, 27th and 28th. Any advice or tips that I should know ? Thanks in advance

My first DCC was amazing! I didn’t play and attended as an observer only. I went hoping to see a few elite players. It was immediate sensory overload. Elite players were everywhere. I couldn’t take it in fast enough. Things will be different, post COVID, but it should still be a great field. We already know a couple of Pinoys won’t be there but there are plenty of players in, for the swing, that it should be a good year.

You can walk in and pay daily. Snacks and booze in the car, to save money, are a good idea. However, it’s an event. It requires money to keep it going. Don’t be a nit. Bring money, spend it and don’t forget to tip for services rendered. And visit the practice/action room, lots of fun. You can observe or play but beware the guys who have set up house. They’re there for a reason.


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Goi g to the Derby for the first time, going to spend 2 days there, 27th and 28th. Any advice or tips that I should know ? Thanks in advance
The food is terrible, expensive and greasy. Take your own food. The closest restaurant is several miles away.
 
. . . . Food poisoning seems to be common place too.
This is invariably related to bad food & employee sanitation (and storage lapses). This year will be the DCC's first Omicron-hovering year. Definitely avoid touching/using any of their food and being up close and personal where airborne Omicron and Delta work their odious magic. Pool isn't worth chancing what today's infections can do to your life or the lives of loved ones you risk bringing the infecting agents home to IMO.

Also be extremely mindful of your own hand-hygiene with regard to not directly touching with your hands any of the food you bring in. Have a barrier -- a simple paper napkin between you and the food and snacks you're popping into your mouth. You will have been touching communal balls, chalk, racks, etc. if playing, and restroom door handles, and perhaps been foolish enough to shake hands with old (and new) friends you haven't seen in a while -- whose own hand hygiene will predictably be dubious. Sounds like OCD protocol (obsessive), but reflect on the fact that viruses are deadly obsessive -- literally relentless -- by their nature, albeit mindlessly so. Your own mind and sensible decisions are your best answer to their natural agenda.

Arnaldo ~ Listen to your grandpa, son.
 
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Takeaways from this thread:

Potentially gambling away thousands of dollars - cool
Paying the host venue for food and drink so they can stay in business - not cool
 
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