Defender Tailgate
Early Bird Sale
October 9th - December 11th
Advanced Sale
December 12th - March 12th
Event Pricing
March 13th - April 26th
Saturday/Cross-Country
Tailgating Packages
Every Saturday at K3DE, the focus shifts from the stadiums and arenas to the expansive Cross-Country Course, where horse-and-rider pairs tackle thrilling obstacles and challenging terrain across the event grounds.
The Defender Tailgate is the ultimate way to take in the excitement, and is always a crowd favorite. Gather your crew and enjoy the best views of the action all day long.
Tailgating set-up takes place from 7AM to 8:30AM on Saturday, and all spaces must be reserved in advance; tailgating packages are not sold at the gate. Each space allows for one vehicle, but you can invite as many friends as you like — everyone just needs a Grounds Admission ticket to join the fun.
No tent? No problem! You can add on a Tailgating Tent Package that includes a 10x10 tent, four chairs, and a six-foot table, with convenient parking nearby for easy access.
Rules and regulations are listed below to help plan the perfect tailgate experience.
We’re pleased to offer Klarna as a flexible payment option at checkout. Klarna allows you to split your purchase into four interest-free payments or select an extended plan that best fits your budget. Use Klarna to conveniently purchase your tickets, hospitality packages, parking, and more, making it easier to plan your Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event experience on your terms.
RESERVED VEHICLE TAILGATING
All tickets purchased online or by phone are subject to a ticket fee, which will be reflected at checkout. Prices listed do not include this fee and are subject to change. International ticket orders will be available for pick-up at the designated Will Call location.
PLATINUM TAILGATING
Platinum Tailgating Packages give you premium views of multiple obstacles on both the CCI5* & CCI4 Cross-Country Courses — all from the comfort of your reserved space. Includes one tailgating vehicle with two patrons, & one reserved parking space near the Cross-Country Course on Saturday only.
See the Red blocks on the Tailgating Map to plan your perfect spot.
From $625
Note: All tailgating purchase links direct to one Etix page containing all available packages; please select your preferred tailgating option when prompted.
PREMIUM TAILGATING
Premium Tailgating Packages provide prime viewing of several key obstacles on both the CCI5* & CCI4* Cross-Country Courses — all from the comfort of your reserved space. Includes one tailgating vehicle with two patrons, & one reserved parking space near the Cross-Country Course on Saturday only.
See the Blue blocks on the
Tailgating Map to plan your perfect spot.
From $525
Note: All tailgating purchase links direct to one Etix page containing all available packages; please select your preferred tailgating option when prompted.
STANDARD TAILGATING
Standard Tailgating offers a relaxed spot to enjoy the day with partial views of the CCI5* & CCI4* Cross-Country Courses. Includes one tailgating vehicle with two patrons, & one reserved parking space near the Cross-Country Course on Saturday only.
See the Yellow blocks on the
Tailgating Map to plan your perfect spot.
From $425
Note: All tailgating purchase links direct to one Etix page containing all available packages; please select your preferred tailgating option when prompted.
TAILGATING TENTS
All tickets purchased online or by phone are subject to a ticket fee, which will be reflected at checkout. Prices listed do not include this fee and are subject to change. International ticket orders will be available for pick-up at the designated Will Call location.
TAILGATING TENTS
Don’t have a vehicle? You don’t have to miss out on the fun! Our Tailgating Tent Package lets you enjoy the same lively atmosphere from the comfort of a reserved tented space — complete with seating and easy access to all the action. Includes one reserved space and two Grounds Admission tickets.
See the blocks labeled "TT" 2026 Tailgating Map to plan your perfect spot.
From $725
Note: All tailgating purchase links direct to one Etix page containing all available packages; please select your preferred tailgating option when prompted.
TAILGATING MAP
Rules & Regulations
- ONLY PLAIN TENTS are allowed, they must be staked and in place before the first horse is on course and will be checked by security 30 minutes prior to the start of Cross-Country. Tents with logos and banners are NOT allowed. Tents larger than 10′ x 10′ are NOT allowed. All logoed, improperly placed, improperly sized or non-staked tents will be removed.
- Gates open at 7 a.m. Tailgaters are WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED to come early. Traffic can be very heavy on Cross-Country day, so please schedule your travel time accordingly.
- For YOUR safety and the safety of our ATHLETES, you must be in the Kentucky Horse Park and be parked in your designated spot by 9 a.m., and your vehicle must remain parked until AFTER the last horse has completed Cross-Country. Your vehicle may not be moved throughout the day unless accompanied by event personnel and for emergency purposes only.
- Passenger vehicles only; NO RV’s, buses or large vans, including 15-passenger vans. Tailgating spots are 12 feet wide.
- No additional motorized vehicles allowed. This includes: golf carts, ATVs, scooters, segways, hoverboards and motorcycles.
- You may bring in your own food and drink, however, no open containers or glass, please. There will be trash and recycling receptacles available for use. There will also be concessions near the tailgating area.
- You may use a GAS grill but no charcoal or open flames/fires, please. There will not be any grills available; you must bring your own.
- You may not drive on the polo field or onto the Cross-Country Course.
- No flags or banners allowed. DECORATIONS MAY BE ASKED TO BE REMOVED FOR SAFETY REASONS. Please decorate your area as you see fit, but please keep in mind the horse and rider’s safety.
- No generators please.
- Rules subject to change.
Interested in additional ticketing options?
Ticketing FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions & Disclosures
Have additional questions about ticketing? Check out our FAQ section for more info.
