Frankfort, KY – The Commonwealth of Kentucky will run a television commercial promoting the state during this year’s Kentucky Derby broadcast on NBC on May 7.  The commercial focuses on some of the many experiences available in Kentucky to potential visitors. 

“While more than 140,000 people get to experience Kentucky when they attend the Derby, we want to show the millions of other people watching the broadcast that our Commonwealth is a great place to visit throughout the year,” said Governor Ernie Fletcher. “This commercial focuses on just a few of the many things that make Kentucky unique.”

While advertising time often costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, Kentucky received the placement for free, courtesy of Churchill Downs. “NBC often provides Churchill Downs with one complimentary spot placement, and we thought this was a good year to offer that spot to the state, so the Department of Tourism could showcase Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirit,” said track president Steve Sexton.

The commercial was written and produced by the Kentucky Department of Tourism with the assistance of New West, the department’s public relations and advertising agency. It also will be shown during the television re-broadcast of the Rolex Three Day Event, which will air Sunday, May 8 on NBC.

“This is one of several advertisements, in broadcast and in print, touting Kentucky as the ideal tourism destination,” said Randy Fiveash, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism.  “These ads are investments in Kentucky because they bring visitors and money into the state.”

Earlier this year, Kentucky partnered with various local tourism organizations throughout the state, when it purchased a multi-page tourism advertising supplement. The supplement has appeared, or will appear, in various national publications, including Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies Home Journal, Readers’ Digest, Southern Living, Country Home, Country Living, Midwest Living, Endless Vacation, More, and AAA Living publications.

The text of the commercial is as follows:

“Everyone knows Kentucky is famous for the Derby.

But did you know that Kentucky has more shoreline than Florida?

The largest waterfall south of Niagara?

The largest elk herd east of the Mississippi?

And the longest cave system in the world?

Kentucky is home to one of the greatest pioneers…

…one of the greatest presidents…

…and the man they simply call “The Greatest.”

And everything is within a day’s drive.

Kentucky.  Come feel our unbridled spirit. “

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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, to generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky's economy.