The famous seaside track will welcome fans back to Del Mar Racetrack for its summer season on Friday, July 22 with Opening Day celebrations and will run through Sept. 11. For the first time since 2019, Del Mar’s Grandstand will also operate at full capacity throughout the season. Opening Day festivities and the first two weeks of events are below:

• Opening Day – Friday, July 22 marks the start of an exhilarating season featuring the best in racing, fashion, food, and culture. Attracting thousands of locals and visitors alike, the West Coast tradition will feature fan-favorite events like the Hats Contest (11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.), the return of the Opening Day Party, and the exclusive After Pony Party. Opening Day will have limited attendance to enhance the fan experience and tickets are now sold out, but fans can purchase tickets to the races on Saturday and Sunday.

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• Free & Easy Thursday — Every Thursday starting July 28, Diamond Club members can enjoy this exclusive perk at the racetrack. Receive free Stretch Run admission, a free program, and a free seat. Guests can receive other frequent perks as a Diamond Club member by signing up on the Del Mar mobile app.

• Friday Happy Hour – Beginning July 29, enjoy Friday Happy Hour and receive half off all Del Mar’s signature drinks until two hours after the first post. This offer excludes Turf Club restaurant and bar.
• Turf Club Friday (New this year) – Starting July 29, kick off the start of the weekend at the Turf Club. Tickets include one Turf Club admission, Turf Club tickets, two drinks tickets (premium cocktails, wine or beer), and the appetizer buffet. Tickets are $125 per person and review the website for dress code details.
• Daybreak at Del Mar – Beginning July 23, all are invited every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30-9 a.m. to enjoy complimentary coffee and watch morning workouts from open-air table seating. Horsewoman and racing broadcaster Michelle Yu will also give insider insight.

• Taste of the Turf Club – Every Sunday starting July 24, enjoy a culinary experience at the exclusive Turf Club at Del Mar, ordinarily a members-only spectator area. Tickets include a three-course brunch, a reserved Turf Club table for the race day, bottomless Bloody Marys or mimosas and general parking. Tickets are $125 per person and tables seat four. Review the website for dress code details.

First post daily is 2 p.m. until Sept. 1 when first post moves to 1 p.m. First post on Fridays is at 4 p.m. (exceptions being Aug. 26, Sept. 2 and 9 when the first post shifts to 3 p.m.). For more information, call 858-755-1141 or visit www.dmtc.com.

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