The sport of kings: Road trip?

Looking to make a long weekend of things sometime between Easter and Memorial Day. Did Vegas earlier this year, so that's out. Don't really feel like hitting the other regular spots. So I got to thinking .... what about a Derby pilgrimage???

However, before I commit, I need to know how much (and how available) are tickets to Churchill Downs on Friday and Saturday. I'm not looking for Millionaire's Row, nor am I looking to get down and dirty in the infield. Maybe something on the outer edges of the grandstand.

Also, how much does lodging at, say, a Red Roof Inn go for in Louisville that weekend? Or, for that matter, a Holiday Inn Express?

And is it possible to hop on a table at Caesars' Indiana for less than a green chip?

 

The scalper's bourse is just outside the Derby Museum.

You can get into the Motel 6 for quasi-reasonable, but believe it's a 3-night minimum. You can
do better by being willing to stay in Southern Indiana and driving the half-hour. Up to you.

 

I imagine that it's one of those must-do weekends. I also wonder what the age of the crowd is and whether any younger folk show up or it's all 40-plus.