Churchill adding infield comfort zone

The infield at the Kentucky Derby just got a little less rowdy. A new "Infield Club" will be made available to fans at the 2009 Derby and Oaks next May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

The club will be cordoned off from the rest of the infield, which long has been noted for its anything-goes atmosphere. Churchill officials are describing it as a sports-bar type of experience, with private mutuel windows, restroom facilities, large-screen televisions, and other amenities.

Tickets to the club were to go on sale Thursday at kentuckyderby.com/infieldclub. They are $150 for the Derby and $50 for the Oaks, with a two-day sale price of $175.

General admission to the infield is $40 on Derby Day and $25 on Oaks Day.