All You Need to Know About Attending the Races

This day comes just once a year. It is an opportunity for ladies to don fashionable hats of all shapes and sizes, men to wear bold fashion accessories, and of course, an opportunity for all attendees to win some cash betting on the ponies. Opening Day at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club is Wednesday!

Patch has the 411 on Opening Day and the entire racing season from July 18 to Sept. 15. It all starts tomorrow with the gates opening at 11:30 a.m. and the first of 10 race at 2 p.m.

While reserved seats for Opening Day have sold out, there are plenty of admission tickets. Admission tickets may be purchased in advance or at the gate.

If this is your first time at the races don’t miss the Hat Contest. You will see the most extravagant, creative and even bizarre hats. We also recommend stopping into the Newcomers’ Seminar to learn the difference between a quinella, exacta and trifecta. This short seminar will have you in line to place a bet in no time.

Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014

Admission: $6 (Opening Day $10)

Clubhouse Admission: $10 (Opening Day $20)

Reserved Seating: Sold separately from admission. (Sold out for Opening Day)

Parking: $10. Don't forget cash for parking.

Shuttle: Take the shuttle from Solana Station and skip the parking hassle. Additional shuttle information found here.

Days Open: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, besides for Labor Day on Sept. 3.

First Race: Starts at 2 p.m. on all days besides Fridays, which start at 4 p.m. One other exception is an early race start of 1 p.m. on Aug. 26.

Tickets: May be ordered online or by phone at 858-792-4242.

Concerts are held on Fridays after the races and on some Saturdays. Concerts begin after the last race and are free with your paid Admission. On concert days, after the 7th race Admission will be $20.00. The concert area is standing room only – no reserved seating is available. Saturday concerts are open to fans 18 years and over. , which include Cake, Ben Harper and Ziggy Marley.

And remember if you can’t get out of work or make it to Opening Day, you can always watch online.

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