7 Fabulous Reasons Opening Day At The Del Mar Races Is A Must-Do!
Don’t say goodbye to our sweet summer just yet. The third annual Bing Crosby Season is returning to the Del Mar Races beginning Friday, November 11th through December 4th! Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first race starts at 12:30 p.m.
The Bing Crosby Season was named to honor Del Mar’s iconic founder Bing Crosby. Attendants will enjoy contests, concerts, food and drinks and of course, top thoroughbred ponies.
Whether you come to bet or to simply enjoy the festivities, here is what you have to look forward to on opening day:
1. Veterans Day Salute Private Event
Del Mar and Save Our Legion are teaming up this Veterans Day to host a Veterans Day Salute event. Join Del Mar in honoring our Veterans by purchasing a ticket to this private event. By purchasing a ticket you will receive racetrack admission, live music, a BBQ lunch from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and 50% off of select signature drinks and craft beers. **Proceeds will benefit Save Our Legion along with local military charities.
VIP Admission $60 : includes access to VIP areas, racetrack admission, concert admission and award winning BBQ.
General Admission $25: includes racetrack admission, concert admission and award winning BBQ.
Concert Admission $10 (racetrack admission not included)
2. Country Artist Coffey Anderson
Don’t run away after the last race! The excitement continues after with a live performance from Country artist Coffey Anderson. His featured songs include Better Today, Your New Boyfriend and Mr. Red White and Blue. Admission to the concert is through purchasing the Veterans Day Salute event ticket.
3. Stars & Stripes Fashion Contest
If we’re being honest ladies, the main appeal to opening day is dressing up! Let’s bust out the red lipstick because this season you could win money just for looking good! The Stars and Stripes Fashion Contest is looking for the most patriotic of us all. You can rock out in your best red, white and blue or you can go back in time and dress up as a classic pin-up model!
First Place: $400 plus a gift basket (over $250 in value)
Second Place: $250
Third Place: $100
Grand Prize: One night stay in a Fairmont Grand Del Mar Guestroom and wine tasting for two at Addison Restaurant (over $1,000 in total value).
Location: Plaza de Mexico
Time: 11:00 a.m to 1:30 p.m
4. Guaranteed Pools
Whether your betting method is calculated or random, horse wagering is easy and fun for everyone. Along with a standard win, place and show wagering, Del Mar offers various combination bets for those that like to keep things interesting. The featured combination bet this opening day is the Guaranteed Pick-Four pool of $2,000. For those who are green to wagering, this means you can pick four horses to win in the last four races. If all four picks win, you’re guaranteed $2,000. Simple enough, right?
5. Military and Kids Are Free
Celebrate this Veterans Day with the whole family in Del Mar for free! All Active Duty Military and Veterans have free admission with a military I.D. Also, all kids are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. We’re not talking about “Disneyland” child standards either. All persons 17 and under are considered a child and receive free admission. **Must be 18+ to wager and 21+ to be served alcohol with I.D.
6. Bing Crosby After Party at L’Auberge
You can’t go home early on a Friday night! Keep the party going after the races at L’Auberge Del Mar. Enjoy live music, an ocean view, hors d’oeuvres, craft beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Admission to this event is limited so hurry and get your tickets now. **Must be 21+
Location: Coastal Village of Del Mar, 1540 Camino Del Mar
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $65 advance, $75 at the door
7. The After Party at Crush
Still hungry after Opening Day? Go to Crush Italian Cuisine in Solana Beach!
Enjoy live music, dancing, great food, drink specials and late night happy hour. The best part is there is no cover fee! So for those who are broke as a joke, this is the place to be. We’ll see you there.
Location: 437 S Hwy 101, Solana Beach
