Facility Rentals

Bring your group for a fun-filled day of Soap Box Derby® racing at the world famous Derby Downs Track. Experience the “Thrill of the Hill”® as you plummet down the 989-foot Track where you’ll reach speeds in excess of 30 mph in specially designed adult Soap Box Derby cars. While you’re racing you’ll be helping the Derby continue its mission of building knowledge and character, and creating meaningful experiences through collaboration and fair and honest competition.

Host a One-of-a-Kind Event

Derby Downs makes a great location from spring through fall for special events and corporate outings. In addition to renting the track itself, we offer three facility options in which to host your unique event; the Hall of Fame and Museum, the Whitey Wahl Pavilion, and Trackside. Walk-throughs of each space can be scheduled with our Events Team by calling 330.733.8723, ext. 10 or emailing events@soapboxderby.org

Private Event Options

Download Event Guide

Hall of Fame & Museum Building

Experience the nostalgia and history that the museum has to offer while you host your event. Soap Box Derby cars are on display from the 1930s to present. This 10,400 square-foot building is a multi-use facility which offers great flexibility for any event. For more information, available dates and pricing, download our Event Guide or contact the Events Team at events@soapboxderby.org.

 

  • Banquet seating for 400-500 guests comfortably
  • Multiple layout options available.
  • This facility is not climate controlled
  • Private space

Hall of Fame & Museum Layout Options

120 Guests
180 Guests
230 Guests
240 Guests
288 Guests

*Layouts are flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of your event.

Whitey Wahl Pavilion

The Whitey Wahl Pavilion is a 2,400 square-foot covered pavilion located right next to the track’s starting line. It is perfect for both cookouts and catered events. For more information, available dates and pricing, download our Event Guide or contact the Events Team at events@soapboxderby.org.

 

  • Banquet seating for up to 150 guests
  • Multiple layout options available

Whitey Wahl Pavilion Layout Options

56 Guests
88 Guests
110 Guests
120 Guests
144 Guests
160 Guests

*Layouts are flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of your event.

Trackside

The lush, open area to the west of our track offers incredible flexibility when planning a large or small event at Derby Downs. There is no structure located here but our exclusive rental supplier, Sully’s Tool & Party Rental has you covered. They help us offer many different tent options to meet your needs. For more information, available dates and pricing, download our Event Guide or contact the Events Team at events@soapsoapboxderby.org.

 

  • Flexible seating options
  • Multiple layout options available

Trackside Layout Options

128 Guests
192 Guests
224 Guests
272 Guests
288 Guests

*Layouts are flexible and can be customized to fit the needs of your event.

Host an Event at Derby Downs
Additional Information

Renting the Track

The Track at Derby Downs is available to rent by the hour at a minimum of two hours.

Included in the rental is the following:

  • Full use of the track for racing for the duration of your event
  • Full use of Whitey Wahl Pavilion
  • Twenty (20) adult-sized Soap Box Derby cars (children’s cars available upon request)
  • Use of the track’s sound system
  • Soap Box Derby staffing
  • Tour of the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Multiple formats of racing
  • Shuttle bus that runs through out the event from the parking and run out area
  • Use of commercial size grill upon request
  • Use of picnic tables upon request
  • Use of round folding tables upon request
  • Use of folding chairs upon request

Packaged Tours

The Soap Box Derby welcomes motorcoach travelers to visit the Derby Downs for a discounted rate. Home to the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame and Museum and the World Famous Derby Downs Track, we are the perfect destination to add on to your tour of Northeast Ohio.

We offer standard and VIP packages

Contact events@soapboxderby.org or call 330-733-8723 x 13 to learn more and book your tour today!

Equipment Rental

Sully’s Tool and Party Rental is the exclusive supplier for all of your rental needs at Derby Downs. All rentals MUST be ordered through the Events Team. Check out sullysrental.com to view the wide selection of rental items they have to offer.

Catering

When you choose to host an event at Derby Downs, you get to select the caterer of your choice! Once a caterer is selected, all arrangements must be coordinated through the Events Team prior to your scheduled event.

Serving Alcohol

No permit is required if an individual or organization intends to provide beer or spirits at a private function where access is restricted to invited guests only and for which no admission fee is charged or any alcoholic beverages sold.

However, a permit IS required if a qualified organization intends to provide beer or spirits either for sale by the drink or through the use of an entrance fee, cover charge, etc. The permit application must be submitted by the organization hosting the event.

Age and Height Restrictions

To race a Soap Box Derby car, a child must be at least seven (7) years old and a minimum of 46″ tall. Each child will be required to take a brake test in a Soap Box Derby car prior to the trip down the track. If a child is unable to perform the necessary requirements to steer and stop the car, they will not be allowed to race, even if they meet the age and height requirements. Please understand this is for their safety. 

Waiver Release Forms

All racers must fill out and sign a waiver form prior to racing.

Adult Waiver

Minor Waiver

Weather Policy

Soap Box Derby events take place as long as there is no lightning, thunder or standing water on the track.

Safety Video

All guests who ride in a Soap Box Derby car are encouraged to watch the Derby Downs Safety Video, presented by Meggitt Aircraft Braking Systems. This video addresses the basic steering and stopping mechanisms on the car, as well as when and where to stop at the bottom of the track. It is very helpful for guests who would like to learn what the trip down the track will be like before the event.

Ready to Book?

Let us know what kind of event you’d like to host, and we’ll gladly help you plan the event of the year!

Contact events@soapboxderby.org for more information on pricing and booking.