About The EventS

Your 2025 Concert Field Guide to Sam Houston Race Park

The ultimate Kentucky Derby experience at the Showgrounds on May 3rd, 2025, held in the infield of Sam Houston Race Park. This will be Houston's largest and most exciting Derby celebration, offering a day filled with live horse racing, live music, DJs, and an electrifying atmosphere, all complemented by jumbo screens to catch every moment of the Run for the Roses. The total capacity of the Showgrounds is 8,000 people. Guests will have access to the Wine Garden, where a selection of wines will be available, Food Trucks, Crawfish, Official Kentucky Derby merchandise, hand-rolled cigars, wagering, as well as an exclusive all-inclusive VIP section with indoor and outdoor lounge seating, climate control, full bar service and premium catering for those looking to elevate their experience. The Showgrounds will open at 10:00 AM and close after the last race at Churchill Downs. 

• SHRP North and South Gates open at 9:00 AM
• Showgrounds gates open at 10:00 AM
• First post time for SHRP 10:30 AM
• SHRP Races will be shown on the big screen TVs and will be switched over to NBC Feed for Kentucky Derby after the conclusion SHRP races. Both SHRP and Churchill feed will be available on all TVs in the VIP section
• The Showgrounds will not be open on Friday, May 2nd for Oaks
• There will be a variety of food trucks available in the GA section and inclusive food in the VIP section
• Derby Fest ticket holders will be able to access the Grandstand

VIP Amenities

 $175 Advance / $200 Day of 

Full bar service - with Mint Juleps and Oaks Lillies

Gourmet buffet

Mutuel betting facilities

Exclusive private lounge seating

Live television feed of the Kentucky Derby 

Comfortable lounge and table seating  

Viewing Platform 

Wine Garden with live music and DJ  

Large screen televisions for optimal viewing 

Luxury Restrooms - climate controlled 

Access to general admission vendors, exclusive Kentucky Derby merchandise, and food trucks 

General Admission Amenities

$35 Advance / $50 Day of 

Access to General Admission vendors, Kentucky Derby merchandise, and food trucks 

Limited outdoor seating options 

Mutuel wagering facilities

Large outdoor television for optimal viewing 

Lawn Chairs allowed 

Kentucky Derby Hat Contest 

Crawfish 

Live Music 

DJ 

Wine Garden 

Food Trucks