How does the cost of a day at the races compare to other sports? 

Compared to other sports’ major events, the cost of tickets to the upcoming Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland seems mighty reasonable, offering great value for two days of world-class championship races on the final two days of October. But how about racing’s other marquee days, say the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes? How about the cost of getting in at racetracks around the country on ordinary days? How do they compare?

Let’s start with the Breeders’ Cup on Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st. There are 14 championship races of world-caliber horses over the two days, five on Friday for two-year-olds and nine on Saturday besides additional races both days.

The highlight of the weekend is Saturday’s $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. General admission costs $85 Friday and $159 on Saturday. Clubhouse general admission is $212 for Friday and $477 for Saturday. Two-day packages start at $244 for general admission and $689 for clubhouse. Reserved seating begins at $186. Corporations and groups begin at $315. Dining is $398. Grandstand loge box seats, which are expanded open-air boxes along the stretch run and finish line, are offered in a two-day package for $1,590 per seat. Travel packages begin at $1,299.