History of Del Mar Fairgrounds in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 12, 2025

The Del Mar Fairgrounds is a 370-acre event venue in Del Mar, California, situated along the Pacific Ocean. It is the home of the annual San Diego County Fair. A key feature is the Del Mar Racetrack, established in 1936 by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, with Bing Crosby as a founding member. The venue is a significant landmark in the region.

May 6, 1936: Del Mar Turf Club Founded

On May 6, 1936, the Del Mar Turf Club was founded by William A. Quigley and Bing Crosby after Quigley pitched the idea of starting a racetrack on the Del Mar Fairgrounds to Crosby.

1936: Del Mar Racetrack Built

In 1936, the Del Mar Racetrack was built by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Bing Crosby, a founding member, provided leadership for the project.

1937: Del Mar Racetrack Opens

In 1937, Del Mar Racetrack opened, and Bing Crosby greeted the fans at the gate.

August 12, 1938: Seabiscuit vs. Ligaroti Race

On August 12, 1938, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club hosted a $25,000 winner-take-all match race between Seabiscuit, owned by Charles S. Howard, and Ligaroti, owned by the Binglin Stable. Seabiscuit won the race, which was the first nationwide broadcast of a thoroughbred race by NBC radio.

1938: Airfield Turned Over to Civilian Control

In 1938, the San Dieguito Air Field was turned over to civilian control and became the Del Mar Municipal Airport, serving the patrons at the new Del Mar Fairgrounds.

1940: Del Mar Became Hollywood Star Summer Playground

By 1940, Del Mar became a summer playground for many Hollywood stars.

1942: Quigley's Death

In 1942, William A. Quigley, the General Manager of the Del Mar racetrack died at the age of 49.

1942: Del Mar Facility Closed Due to WWII

In 1942, the Del Mar facility was closed due to the Second World War and the grounds were used for training by the United States Marine Corps.

1944: Del Mar Facility Used for Manufacturing B-17 Bomber Parts

In 1944, the Del Mar facility was used as a manufacturing site for parts to B-17 bombers during World War II.

1946: First Bing Crosby Stakes and Santa Fe Railroad Special

In 1946, the first Bing Crosby Stakes was held at Del Mar, and the Santa Fe Railroad began offering a racetrack special, bringing spectators, bettors, and horses to Del Mar from Los Angeles.

November 1949: 100-Mile AAA Championship Car Race

In November 1949, a 100-mile AAA championship Indianapolis-type car race was held at Del Mar, but the death of driver Rex Mays caused "big car" racing to disappear from Southern California circuits for 18 years.

1959: Airport Closed and Land Used for Interstate 5

In 1959, the state closed the Del Mar Municipal Airport, and the land was used for the construction of Interstate 5.

1984: Trevor Denman Became Voice of Del Mar

In 1984, Trevor Denman became the voice of Del Mar.

1987: Temporary Auto-Racing Circuit

In 1987, a temporary auto-racing circuit was held in the race track parking lot.

1991: Del Mar Arena Built

In 1991, Del Mar Arena was built and is a 3,500-seat arena used for sporting events, concerts, and other special events.

1991: Track ran richest race to date

In 1991, the track ran its richest race to date, the $1,000,000 Grade I Pacific Classic Stakes. The first Classic was won by Best Pal.

1992: IMSA Camel GT Race Hosted

In 1992, the temporary auto-racing circuit hosted an IMSA Camel GT race.

2000: Marketing Team Focused on Youthful and Female Audience

Beginning in 2000, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club's marketing team focused on attracting a more youthful and female audience, branding Del Mar as a fashionable destination and using the slogan "Cool as Ever".

2007: Synthetic Surface Installed

In early 2007, Del Mar installed a Polytrack brand synthetic surface.

2009: Home of San Diego Sockers

From 2009, Del Mar Arena became the home of the San Diego Sockers indoor soccer team.

2009: Del Mar Arena Remodeled with Roof Added

In 2009, the Del Mar Arena was remodeled and a roof was added.

2012: San Diego Sockers Team End their time at Del Mar Arena

To 2012, Del Mar Arena was the home of the San Diego Sockers indoor soccer team.

March 2013: Vote to Expand Turf Portion of Racetrack

In March 2013, there was a vote to expand the turf portion of the Del Mar racetrack and construction began later in the year.

February 2014: Intention to Return to Dirt Surface Announced

In February 2014, Del Mar president Joe Harper announced his intention to return to a dirt surface for the 2015 racing season.

2014: Handicapper of the Year Jose Arias

In 2014, Jose Arias qualified and won handicapper of the year here. His check at the end was $750,000.

2014: Turf Course Widened

In 2014, the turf course was widened to 80 feet and the curve was softened out of the diagonal chute.

2014: Second Live Meet in November

Since 2014, a second live meet is run in November.

2014: Del Mar Began Running More Racing Cards

Starting in 2014, Del Mar began running more racing cards due to the closure of the Hollywood Park Racetrack and a fall meet was added.

2015: Del Mar Racetrack changed back to a dirt surface

For the 2015 racing season Del Mar President Joe Harper changed the synthetic surface back to dirt.

November 2017: Del Mar Hosted Breeders' Cup for the First Time

In November 2017, Del Mar hosted the Breeders' Cup for the first time.

2020: Collmus Replaced Denman Temporarily

In 2020, Larry Collmus temporarily replaced Trevor Denman after 36 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Meet Held Behind Closed Doors

In 2020, the meet was held behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Larry Collmus temporarily replaced Trevor Denman as Voice of Del Mar.

2020: KAABOO festival in Del Mar Fairgrounds

Similar to the meet in 2020, around the COVID pandemic period, it was decided that the KAABOO festival would also be relocated from the Padres to their original place in the Del Mar Fairgrounds.