The Breeders’ Cup, one of North America’s premier racing events, is aiming to improve spectator experience by capping attendance for this year’s event.
The end-of-season thoroughbred festival will be held at the Del Mar racetrack in San Diego, California, for the first time when it takes place over two days in November.
Organisers said a maximum 37,500 tickets will be sold from Monday, March 6 for each day “to ensure a positive experience for all participants and fans”. All tickets will be sold in advance of the event, with no walk-up sales available for either day.
The maximum number of spectators for this year’s event will be well down on last year’s record attendance figure of 118,484 at Santa Anita Park.
“We are thrilled to bring Breeders’ Cup to Del Mar for the first time this fall,” said Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup president and chief executive. “Together with Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and the local Del Mar, Solana Beach, and San Diego communities, we have been working tirelessly to enhance every element of the fan experience and ensure that fans enjoy the best that the sport and the local area have to offer.”
Breeders’ Cup and Del Mar racetrack are investing approximately $4.5m (£3.7m/€4.3m) to create more premium seating options. A total of 2,700 new, premium hospitality seating options will be added to Del Mar, including two temporary Trackside Luxury Chalets and temporary box seats. The temporary structures will be situated in a newly created Chalet Village and will accommodate 1,800 guests in two double decker structures, each with its own catering, wagering, and restroom services.
Organisers said the track’s infield will be enhanced with a new sanded area, The Beach, which will “provide a fun atmosphere” for up to 250 people on the inside rail with casual seating, umbrellas, a video screen, and private bar.
Single-day ticket prices range from $35 to $375 on Friday and $50 to $500 on Saturday. Two-day packages ranges from $85 to $1,875.
“We are excited and honoured to host our first Breeders’ Cup this November,” said Joe Harper, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club president and chief executive. “By capping the attendance number and adding 2,700 premium seats, the Breeders’ Cup will be an amazing experience for all guests and we can’t wait to welcome fans from around the world to our venue and city.”
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