Published Tuesday, July 9th, 2019   ( 4 years ago )

See you at Opening Day!

How to Arrive

….in style, obviously. But, after you’ve figured out your perfect Opening Day look, you’ll definitely want to coordinate your transportation for the day. Admission Gates open at 11:30 and valet fills up fast! Here’s a breakdown of your options:

Take a Plane - Hope you booked this one already!

Take a Train - The Coaster and The Surfliner help you leave traffic jams behind. Plan for extra boarding time as it tends to get crowded! Both drop off in Solana Beach where Del Mar offers a free shuttle to the track starting at 9 AM.

Take a Car - Roll up with your squad in style using Skye Limo or use ride sharing to make your trip to the seaside oval a breeze. The Dropoff and Pickup lot is just east of the main Jimmy Durante entrance. 

 

What to Wear

For the ladies - those famous Opening Day hats serve double duty! Show up in your most stylish brimmed hats and protect yourself from the summer sun. Looking for more ways to stay cool? Consider wearing your hair up to tame flyaways and compliment your fabulous fascinator. Pro tip: Walkable shoes as you explore the paddock and head to the betting windows! 

For the gentleman - you can never go wrong with a button-down or polo shirt and a pair of slacks. Feel free to have a little fun, bright bowtie? Check! Classic Fedora? If it fits! After all, it is THE biggest party on the west coast. Don’t forget - a sport coat is required for those lucky enough to sit in the Turf Club and Suites.

 

Hat Contest Entry

What to Do

The first race goes off at 2 PM but there's plenty to see (and places to be seen) around the track before the horses hit the track.

Located in the Plaza de Mexico, the Opening Day Hats Contest starts when the gates open and entries are open until 3 PM. Your stylish and fashion-forward creation could win in one of five categories: Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, Most Outrageous, Best Fascinator, and Flowers. Need more incentive? There’s $5,000 in total prizes on the line including a luxurious one-night stay at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar! And, even better? Endless bragging rights.

After you strut your stuff, head on over to The Party On Opening Day for the full VIP experience. Tickets are $35 and include a day of thrills and exclusive access to the Veuve Champagne Garden in the Seaside Cabana. Choose to spend your day grooving on the dance floor or cracking open a cold one in the shaded seating area and beer garden.  

Feeling lucky? As the saying goes: There’s a winner in every race! Today might be the day to test that beginner’s luck at the wagering window. New to the track? Our Wagering Guide has everything you need to know before you place your first bet.

 

After Pony Party

Keep the party going after the races at Rancho Valencia's official Opening Day After Pony Party. Enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment and celebrate your day at the races!

 

Once is Never Enough

Can’t make it for Opening Day? We’ve got a whole summer of fun on the horizon. Find our event schedule at DelMarRacing.com/Events and we’ll see you at the track!  

Open July 17 to September 2.