Del Mar announces sell-out for opening day

DEL MAR, Calif. – Del Mar, which previously announced it was going to limit capacity for its opening-day card on July 22 to better accommodate customers, on Tuesday announced that the event was a sell-out.

Del Mar has had upward of 40,000 on some opening days in the recent past, but those crowds strained both the facility and the nerves of customers. Track officials, exiting restrictions necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, decided to do a reset, in the belief that having a more manageable crowd would make for a better customer experience.

“Similar to what we did last year coming out of the pandemic and what we’ve done when the Breeders’ Cup has been held at Del Mar, we have found that limiting the crowd capacity creates a more enjoyable experience for people in attendance,” Josh Rubinstein, Del Mar’s president and chief operating officer, said Tuesday.

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“It cuts down on lines for concessions and wagering and helps us manage the guest experience in a way that ensures everybody has a more enjoyable day at the races.”

Del Mar’s capacity is less than normal this year owing to the infield not being available following the track hosting the San Diego County Fair, which closed July 4. Attendance for opening day will be approximately 21,750, track officials said.