Seating Areas, Admissions and Frequently Asked Questions
Reserved Seating Areas (Admission Sold Separately)
- All Reserved Theater-style seats are located in the shade. Reserved Seats are available in both the Clubhouse and Stretch Run Areas. Admission is sold separately.
- Clubhouse Reserved Seating
- Seats are located beyond (east of) the finish line
- All seats are shaded
- Third Level: Rows of theater-style seats
- Stretch Run Reserved Seating
- Seats are located before (west of) the finish line
- All seats are shaded
- Second Level: Box-style seating for up to 6 with unobstructed views of the racecourse
- Third Level: Rows of theater-style seats
- Fourth Level: Rows of theater-style seats with unobstructed views of the racecourse
- Fifth Level: Rows of Theater-style seats with a view of the racecourse and backstretch
Trackside Restaurants (Admission Sold Separately)
- Our three outdoor Trackside Restaurants offer tables where you can enjoy the races and dine at the same time.
Most of our Trackside Dining Tables seat a maximum of 4 people, however there are a few two person tables in the Café del Sol.
The table serves as your seating for the entire day of racing. Admission is sold separately. If you are interested in 5 or more
tables on a given day, please contact Group Sales at 858-792-4234.
Stretch Run Grill
- Sun and shade tables
- Tables seat up to 4
- Located in Stretch Run Area and requires Stretch Run Admission
Clubhouse Café del Sol
- All tables are in the sun
- Tables for 2 up to 4
- Located in the Clubhouse Area and requires Clubhouse Admission
Clubhouse Terrace Restaurant
- Sun and shade tables
- Tables seat up to 4
- Located in the Clubhouse Area and requires Clubhouse Admission
Admission Tickets
- Admission Tickets grant entry to the facility only and are sold separately from Reserved Seats and Trackside Tables. This means that when filling out the form, for each adult being seated, you will need an equal quantity of Admission Tickets to the area you are choosing.
- Admission Tickets may be purchased in advanced or at the gate. Admission tickets never "sell out".
- Purchase Stretch Run Admission if you are ordering Stretch Run Reserved Seats or Stretch Run Grill Tables. Purchase Clubhouse Admission if you are ordering Clubhouse Reserved Seats, Café del Sol, or Clubhouse Terrace Tables. In other words, you will pay the admission
cost PLUS the cost of the seats you are requesting. Admission tickets are non-refundable, but are good for any day of the 2008 season except Opening Day.
- Admission prices for Opening Day have changed this year. Clubhouse admission will be $20.00 and Stretch Run admission $10.00. Discount Admission books are not valid on Opening Day. All other days Clubhouse Admission is $10.00 and Stretch Run Admission is $6.00. If you are purchasing Reserved Seating for Opening Day be sure to also purchase Opening Day Stretch Run or Opening Day Clubhouse Admission.
- While DMTC will no longer offer senior or AAA discounts please consider joining our Diamond Club. By joining the Diamond Club you'll receive 50% off Admission every day at Del Mar or at Surfside Race Place. Plus, take advantage of special offers and giveaways exclusively for Diamond Club members all year long. For more information please click here.
- Active Military and dependents with ID are admitted to Stretch Run Area for FREE.
- Children 17 years and younger will be are admitted for free to the venue and must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Reserved seating is an additional charge.
4 O' Clock Fridays
- Start off the weekend with twilight racing, then catch some of the best concerts in town at 4 O' Clock Fridays.
- 4 O' Clock Friday concerts are held in the Plaza de Mexico just inside the Stretch Run entrance gate.
- The concerts are free with your paid admission.
- Concert area is standing room only- no reserved seating is available.
- The first four Fridays, July 18-August 8, post time is 4 p.m. and concerts begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. For the last three Fridays, August 15-29 post time is 3:30 p.m. and concerts begin at approximately 7:00 p.m.
- For more information and a band schedule check out the DMTC Events Calendar
When will I receive my Tickets?
Tickets from online orders will be mailed in approximately 3 business days.
Can I order tickets by phone?
We anticipate starting telephone sales in mid May. Please continue to check the website for more information.
Returning Tickets
If a refund is desired, seat and table tickets must be returned to (and received by) the ticket office at least 24 hours prior to the event day. To return seat or table tickets left in Will Call, contact and receive confirmation from the ticket office at least 24 hours prior to the event day. Returned table tickets are subject to a 20% service charge. Admission tickets are non-refundable, but are good for any day of the 2008 season except Opening Day. Please send tickets back by regular mail. If time is a concern please use USPS Express or Priority mail as appropriate.
I want to come to Opening Day, what do I need to order?
To enter the facility, all you need is an Opening Day Admission Ticket. You may order these in advance or purchase Admission as you walk through the gate. We never “sell out” of Admissions. If you would like a Reserved Seat, you may order them through the Online Ticket Office beginning May 2nd. Admission prices for Opening Day have changed this year. Clubhouse Admission will be $20.00 and Stretch Run $10.00. Discount Admission books are not valid on Opening Day. If you are purchasing Reserved Seating for Opening Day be sure to also purchase Opening Day Stretch Run or Opening Day Clubhouse Admission.
Why are Admissions and Reserved Seats a separate charge?
Not everyone who comes to the racetrack wants a Reserved Seat. Some prefer to spend their time in the paddock, infield, or one of the many sports pubs. Children 17 and under do not require an Admission Ticket.
What is the difference between the Clubhouse and Stretch Run Areas?
Our facility is divided into two areas. The Clubhouse is the area past (east of) the finish line and comprises approximately one third of the facility. The Stretch Run is the area prior to (west of) the finish line. The seats and amenities are the same in both areas.
Which Trackside Tables are in the Shade?
The Clubhouse Terrace Tables in rows 400-900 are in the shade. All Café del Sol tables are in the sun. The East Stretch Run Grill Tables 40-48 are shaded every day and Tables 30-48 are shaded on Fridays. In the West Stretch Run Grill Tables 180-217 are shaded everyday and Tables 160-217 are shaded on Fridays.
Where are the “best” places to sit?
Seating preferences are highly subjective, what may be the best for one person may not be for another. Here are some general recommendations: If your preference is to be as close to the finish line as possible, the 3rd or 5th levels of the Stretch Run may be your best bet. For the best views of the track including the backside, try the 4th levels of the Stretch Run. If you would like to sit in a box seat choose Stretch Run 2nd level. The Stretch Run Grill offers trackside dining tables with excellent views of the home stretch.
Patrons with Disabilities
We have several ticket options for Patrons with disabilities. In the Reserved Seating area wheelchair accessible and limited mobility seats may be ordered by mail or by phoning the Ticket Office. Wheelchair accessible tables in the Trackside Restaurants may be ordered or by mail, online or by phone.
How do I request a specific seat or make a special request?
Please use the mail in Ticket Request Form if you need to give us special instructions for your order.
Why is it so difficult to get a Restaurant Table?
Compared to the number of Reserved Seats, the facility contains relatively few Trackside Tables.
Is there a waiting list for Reserved Seats or Trackside Dining Tables?
No, we do not maintain a waiting list. When tickets are returned, they are made available for immediate re-sale through the mail and Internet.
What happened to Opening Day And Pacific Classic Day Restaurant Tables?
Opening Day and Pacific Classic Day Restaurant Tables were sold through an online lottery in early April.
Can I purchase admission to the Turf Club?
The Turf Club is a private club and is only available to members and their guests.