LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - It's the event that turns thousands of eyes to the skies over Louisville, while back on the ground the price-tag for Thunder goers to view these spectacular scenes can skyrocket.
If you're looking to keep cost low and expectations high, it's possible. At Kentucky Center the ticket for Thunder viewing is just $40 for adults and $20 for kids, babies 1 and under are free. Marketing Director Rob Thomas calls it the hub for family entertainment.
"We've got great views on three levels of our balcony" said Thomas. And with a wrist band to come and go. Patrons can simply walk out the door for access to the Belvedere where the Center has kids activities planned throughout the day. "We've got face-painting, story telling and a drum circle" Thomas said. And the food is cheap. For $6 or less people can purchase everything from Caesar salads to grilled chicken and kid friendly foods too.
A few steps next door and inside the Galt House Conservatory, the ticket is $125 a person for one of the best all inclusive deals in town.
"If you haven't seen Thunder from here" said Saber Asad "you haven't seen it yet." Asad is the Food and Beverage Director at the Galt House. He points overhead to the glass-dome weather safe venue as a big draw. The ticket comes with a dinner buffet and free garage parking.
"I think when you add the numbers, it's absolutely a great deal" he said.
For an even cheaper deal, but without the great views, Cafe Magnolia on the second floor is a $95 ticket price for adults, $55 for kids, buffet included.
If you are willing to deal with port-a-pots and tents, the KFC Yum Center is putting on a good show. For just $10 general admission, you get inside the tent in the back of the Center. That admission means you'll buy your own concessions, but the entertainment featuring popular local band, Louisville Crashers, is free.
Thundertown is a new addition to Slugger Field's Thunder events. A family oriented tent just outside the ball field. But the $60 ticket gets you unlimited access to stadium and the bathrooms. It also comes with a food buffet and inflatable's for the kids.
There's also a kid-zone at Tumbelweed's Boomtown. "It's the area around our restaurant, it's the park and all the grounds," said Mike Higgins, an operating partner.
This event is part of the Kentucky Derby Festival and is free. Bring a cooler or takeout from Tumbleweed is available too.
Inside the restaurant, it's $175 per person and unlimited food through the day. Kids 12 and under are $100 and children under 3 are free.
Across the river at Buckheads and Rocky's the packages are the same. Marketing Manager Kelly Leonardo calls it the hottest seat in town. But there are some cheaper seats here too. The tables with cost you, you have to buy a table of 4 and that's $720 which is $180 a person. If you're looking to save some cash, the bar seats are just $125 a person. The best buy is an $85 ticket for tent access, Kids are $25 and children under 6 are free. It gets you food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Also on the Indiana side is Kingfish. The tent there with a buffet is $80 for all ages. One of the better deals here is the table of four on the lower deck. It's $350 which equals $87.50 a person. General Manager Hal Rogers says "it doesn't get any better than this", the view is spectacular.
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