Area Code 502

Where Is Area Code 502?

Louisville, Kentucky is the biggest city in the state and has consistently garnered national attention for its world famous Kentucky Derby. The 502 area code is used by residents in Louisville as well as other north central cities in Kentucky. As one of the original Kentucky area codes, the 502 area code has a history that can be traced back to the 1940s. Originally, the 502 area code covered the entire state of Kentucky, but population growth made it necessary to split it several times. For instance, in the 1950s the 606 area code split off from the 502 area code. Additionally, the 270 area code was split from it in 1999.

People who live in the Louisville area code are constantly surrounded by tradition. The Kentucky Derby is held in the 502 area code each year, and also happens to be one of the most celebrated horse races in the world. Horse race enthusiasts from all over the United States and the world flock to area code 502 to see some of the best thoroughbred horses in the industry compete for the ultimate purse. In fact, the purse is currently set at over $1 million, which makes the sport much more lucrative each year. Furthermore, additional money is also being fueled into thoroughbred racing each year through the form of corporate advertising. Jockeys are now allowed to wear corporate logos on their clothing during races, which is a prime advertising opportunity for forward thinking companies. However, the Kentucky Derby is not going to turn into a regular billboard anytime soon. In recent years spectators at the Kentucky Derby included Queen Elizabeth II of England.

As a tourist in the 502 area code, you have a variety of options as far as entertainment is concerned. Ideally, your visit should be timed around the time of year that the Kentucky Derby takes place, which is in May. However, May is also a good time of the year to visit Kentucky even if you are not interested in seeing thoroughbred horses compete. The Kentucky Derby Festival takes place in the weeks leading up to the actual race, and celebrations during this time rival that of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Widely known as one of the biggest events in the South, celebrities from all over the country flock to the 502 area code to flaunt their wealth. Other seasons in Louisville also come with their fair share of entertainment. Festivals are particularly popular and you can easily catch a festival that features hot air balloons or jazz music. One of those festivals is naturally more child friendly than the other.

Surprisingly, medical research is a booming industry in the area, providing the city with many jobs. Additionally, the lucrative insurance company, Humana is headquartered right in Louisville. With annual revenue that exceeds $28 billion and nearly 30,000 employees, Louisville residents count themselves lucky to be in the presence of the Fortune 100 company. Obviously, Kentucky Fried Chicken is also headquartered in the 502 area code and its annual revenue of more than half a billion dollars is nothing to complain about. To add to the corporate giants in the 502 area code are several other big name companies that further fuel the local economy, including Papa John’s Pizza. It is easy to guess what parents in area code 502 answer when their kids ask them the age old question of “What’s for dinner?”

Daily life in the 502 area code is definitely a pleasant experience. The city really does have it all, including green well-kept parks and tall buildings that contain offices for your every need. Whether you want to have a picnic in the park or go mountain biking, Louisville has got you covered. In fact, more than 14,000 acres of the city is covered with city parks that welcome Frisbee players and pets from all around. More cultured individuals will be happy to know that the Kentucky Opera is also located in the 502 area code, and is a welcome respite after a busy day at the Kentucky Derby. To keep the culture theme going, Louisville also features the Louisville Ballet and Louisville Orchestra. Both are especially popular with tourists and locals, keeping the local arts community on their tippy toes with new concerts every year. The insurance company Humana has also attempted to contribute to the quality of life in the 502 area code. Locals and Human employees are undoubtedly thankful for the Humana Festival of New American Plays, which includes hundreds of plays each year. With performances that range from heartbreaking dramas to hilarious comedies, the Humana Festival of New American Plays has become an indispensible component of life in area code 502.

Kentucky Area Codes By Number