No ticket issues for me. I have two four-day ground admissions packages with seats for both dressage days/SJ day, and I added them all to my wallet no problem. I did it as soon as I got the email early this morning, so maybe that’s why it worked for me?
I did purchase my tickets a bit ago. They are starting to come though now but only some of them.
I am super excited to announce that I am also coming to Kentucky 3DE for the first time! Largely facilitated by a fellow COTH’er (who doesn’t really post here any more, we have been IRL friends now since 2004!)
I recently became a USEF ‘r’ Course Designer, and am really looking forward to taking in Derek’s courses and seeing them ridden!
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That section is at the top of the lower level in the very middle of the ring. It will have a nice view. The only thing to be aware of is those seats are not covered, so you will be exposed to the sun or the rain or whatever Kentucky weather decides to throw at us that day!
I bought mine at the event in 2024, I meant I downloaded the tickets to my wallet as soon as I got the email. Not sure if that has anything to do with it? Just my experience.
I can finally share some details on a course walk! Chewy with Buckeye, are hosting a course walk at Noon on Friday during the dressage break. Buckeye Riders, myself (a very game, but 3*** rider) and Kimmy Cecere, will be meeting at the Chewy Booth at this time before starting the walk. Dogs are invited and treats will be provided for furry friends by Chewy.
Kimmy and I will answer questions, offer as much commentary as one can, I’m excited! So bring your walking shoes, we can chat the course, your eventing, FEI, training Q’s. Over the next two weeks the platforms will publish a formal announcement.
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Hiiii OP here lol, let me just start by saying I didn’t think I would get so many answers here so thank you all for the insight/advice and info :))
I’m relatively local to the Lexington area so it is not a whole trip planned for the three day event unfortunately. I am going on Saturday/Sunday and have also purchased tickets for the Kentucky international show jumping event they have at the stadium(to attend the final)!
I’m familiar with the dog rules and know where I can/cannot bring my dog once in the event itself. I’m super excited to go this year and will report back after I attend 
most likely since I live close by now, this won’t be the first time hopefully 
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Just in case it is unclear, the Saturday night show jumping class is not the “final” - that is the Sunday afternoon stadium jumping session. The Saturday night class is a 4* grand prix with a lot of the top show jumpers and has really been a fun addition to the weekend, even when we are tired after cross country day!
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Yeah I understand lol I just said the wrong word there! I’m excited to see something familiar and something new !!
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Just heard a podcast interviewing the straight show jumping organiser. This year it’s a CSI5* show with 60 riders. Bigger than last year’s 4* with 40 riders.
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Now I’m even sadder to be missing it this year!! 
I’ve kept checking the website looking for info on how many, so good to hear its going to be a good evening of show jumping.
We are considering buying hospitality tickets only for the show jumping - it seems more affordable than the day tickets & would be fun! Anyone else buying hospitality tickets for the evening??
This was my thought on the whole bring or don’t bring the dog thing.
Very few dogs enjoy that environment and the long day of being dragged around a large crowd.
And heck, what do you (general) do when you have to use the porta potty? Drag the dog inside with you?
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Just hope you can hoof it to the coliseum in time and cram yourselves both into a stall. 
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Ask a pleasant-seeming person if they might hold the leash a moment. If the first person declines someone often volunteers.
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It depends on how much you care about the view of the class. You have a better view of the whole ring from the stands, from what I’ve seen the hospitality tents tend to have tables in several rows deep in the tent, so you may not always have a clear line of sight. My crew prefers to be in the stands (but we also have a tailgate spot all day and the last thing we want by the time the night class starts is more “hospitality” LOL!).
The Friday SJ is usually free w ground entry FWIW and a great time. Saturday I’d just buy my tickets at the gate. It’s not going to fill and a lot of people are either too tired or too drunk to attend after XC day. If you’re not there already for XC just buying a ticket for the SJ event would be fine.
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I wore waterproof leather Ariat paddock boots on my first visit to KY throughout the entire event including the coursewalk and they were comfortable and kept my feet dry. Not as pretty as my Dubarrys which I bought on my next visit but definitely a good, less expensive option.
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At some point during the event it is going to be boiling hot with the sun blasting down, and at some point it is going to be pouring rain. Bring sunscreen, a hat/sunglasses, a fantastic waterproof jacket, waterproof super comfortable hiking shoes. Layers should include a tank top and a heavy sweater. Bring a water bottle and some snacks. Some people carry a picnic blanket with waterproof backing to sit on. Bring all your credit cards. Bring a backpack that will be able to carry some smaller purchases.
Agree with others to leave the dog at home. My family and I are in the background of the Buck Davidson video that was posted up-thread–we were quite near to the dog owner when the dog darted out of her grasp. You can’t really see it in the video but Buck’s horse actually jumped over the dog–it could have just as easily been trampled, and the distraction/change in striding could have caused a fall instead of a refusal. Also, if it’s your first time at the KY3DE, you are going to want to take photos and shop and explore, and the trade fair can be very crowded and difficult to navigate with a dog. The logistics for bringing a dog might be different if you have a tailgating spot and are planning to spend XC day there.
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Yikes!!! I didn’t pick that up from the video. That could have been beyond horrific.
