New Sponsors Present Amenities, Events For 2022 Kentucky Derby

Written By Derek Helling on April 27, 2022Last Updated on February 13, 2023
148th Running In 2022 Has Line Up Events For Kentucky Derby

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports can seem like a blur, but for many horse racing fans, the experience is larger than the race itself. Kentucky Derby sponsors have a lot to do with that each year.

The 148th edition of the race is no exception. Churchill Downs Racetrack has released a new lineup of amenities and events for racing fans in 2022 to take part in.

New Kentucky Derby sponsors

One of the new sponsors is the most obvious. Woodford Reserve, the presenting sponsor of the 148th Kentucky Derby, might be the most prominent on race day. It has expanded its on-site partnership to include the Homestretch Club.

The Woodford Reserve Bar at the club will be quite a sight for fans to behold. The bar measures 95 feet in length, reigning as the longest bar in the state. For those who are looking for a different atmosphere, other brands fulfill your wishes.

For example, Red Bull will offer its DJ booth at the Infield throughout race day. The AIR ONE kickoff event
will welcome celebrities and VIP guests to the track inside the exclusive Green Room on both Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days.

Experiential activations at Churchill Downs will include a display of BMW‘s first-ever fully electric automobile model and a luxury kitchen model from appliance-maker Monogram.

The Kentucky Derby is the Run for the Roses, and this year the track doesn’t skimp on that theme. FTD will provide floral arrangements in premium spaces in addition to a “floral photography experience” for all attendees. BMW’s sponsorship will also include a live flower wall of more than 7,000 lilies and roses.

All the action for the Kentucky Derby this year returns to its pre-pandemic accommodations. That’s just part of the details of the event that fans should note as the date quickly approaches.

2022 Kentucky Derby details

This year, the date for the race is Saturday, May 7. NBC will have race coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET that day. The Kentucky Oaks is the previous day, and USA Network will also carry coverage of that at 1 p.m. ET.

TVG currently has Epicenter as its favorite to win the Derby at 9-2. First-time TVG app users can get a free Derby bet upon registration. TVG also has many handicapping resources for both veterans and those who are new to betting on horse races.

Visitors to Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May might be able to land much more than that though, thanks to these new sponsors.


READ MORE: Get To Know Your 2022 Kentucky Derby Contenders

Photo by James Crisp / Associated Press
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Derek Helling

Derek Helling is the assistant managing editor of Playin USA. Helling focuses on breaking news, including legislation and litigation in the gaming industry. He enjoys reading hundreds of pages of a gambling bill or lawsuit for his audience. Helling completed his journalism degree at the University of Iowa.

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