General Admission & Parking

  • FREE admission with viewing areas on the ground level as well as open seating on the third level of the Stella Artois Grandstand
  • $15 general park (Gate 12 off Valley Avenue)
  • Access to wagering stations and food & beverage
  • Upgrade and enjoy the entire day of racing from your own Box Seat of 4-6-or-8, Trackside Terrace Outdoor Patio Dining or the Sky Lounge Dining area on the top floor
  • Every Sunday enjoy $5 beers and $5 hotdogs all day
  • Friday Lunch Special – $12 for a hot dog, 20 oz soda and chips from 12pm-1:30pm

Dining At The Track

Dine at the track during Golden State Racing at the Stella Artois Grandstand. 

Sky Lounge at the Track is an exclusive buffet style viewing suite with an 18+ dining area, Mutuel Tellers and central air and heat. The indoor lounge is open every day of racing with panoramic views of the track and Finish Line. 

Trackside Terrace Outdoor Patio is an open-air restaurant offering prime views of the race track while dining on at your own table. Located on the second level of the Stella Artois Grandstand, table purchase and buffet-style dining reservations are made online in advance for a seamless and fun affair. 

Details and advanced reservations below.

Walk-ups welcome while supplies last. Scan QR on site to purchase day of.

Dress Code Information

Sky Lounge does enforce the following dress code: khakis, slacks, dress shorts/capris, dresses, and jeans in good condition may be worn. Tank tops, flip flops, cut-offs, torn or offensive clothing and leisure athletic wear is not permitted. It is an indoor dining area; dress code is enforced.

Trackside Terrace does not have an enforced dress code but guests are expected to dress respectfully.

Sky Lounge At The Track

Sky Lounge
More Information

Must be age 18+
No children age 17 and under
Casual nice attire only

  • Exclusive VIP viewing suite located on the fourth level (4-seat tables)
  • Fully air-conditioned
  • Spectacular viewing areas overlook the entire racetrack
  • Buffet dining and no-host bar
  • In-suite betting with self-service betting kiosks and Mutuel Tellers
  • Elevator and ADA accessible
  • Opens an hour before the first race and closes after the last race (table is for the entire day of racing)
  • Dining is sold by tables of 4

Click on the day of your visit in the calendar.

Trackside Terrace Patio Dining

Trackside Terrace
More Information
  • Reserved, open-air, restaurant-style seating located on the second level
  • Prime view of racetrack from 1-2-4-6-8 seat tables or individual high-top bar seats
  • Buffet dining and no-host bar
  • Self-service betting kiosks
  • ADA accessible seating on top level
  • Opens an hour before the first race and closes after the last race (table is for the entire day of racing)
  • Dining is sold by table
  • Children welcome, but must be seated at the table while on the dining patio
  • Purchase online in advance (coming soon); the day of must purchase onsite at the Terrace via a QR code (subject to availability)

Click on the day of your visit in the calendar.

Season Box Seats

Box Seats
More Information
Oct 19 – Dec 15, 2024
Season Box valid for each day of racing October 19 – December 15.
Parking not included.
 
$419.18 – $833.18
  • Options include 4, 6 or 8 seat boxes – reserved, stadium-style seats located on the second level of the Stella Artois Grandstand
  • Shaded area and prime view of race track and finish line
  • Close to self-service betting kiosks
  • Enjoy the races in the shade with easy access to the betting machines and beverages
  • To purchase, please contact the Box Office at boxoffice@alamedacountyfair.com

Box Seats By Day

Live Racing - Horses coming out of the Starting Gate
More Information
  • 4-6-or-8 seat “Box” for a full “day” of Racing
  • Reserved, stadium-style seats located on the second level of the Stella Artois Grandstand
  • Shaded area and prime view of the track and finish line
  • Close to self-service betting kiosks, food and bars
  • Buy in advance or on site via a QR code
  • While supplies last

Click on the day of your visit in the calendar.

FAQ's

Horse Racing

When is racing?

Racing is every Friday-Sunday October 19-December 15.

(Subject to change due to weather and racing schedule)

What time do gates open?

The Stella Artois Grandstands opens for check-in at noon (9:30am on November 1 and 2).

What time is the first race?

Post time for Fridays and Saturdays will be 12:45pm, Sunday’s post time is 1:45pm. The last race will vary based on the racing schedule.

 
Note, on November 1 and 2, the Del Mar post time is 10:10am, Golden State Racing post time is 12:30pm and the Breeders’ Cup Champion Race is 2:41pm.
 
The Fairgrounds will close immediately following the last race.
Where are open box seats?

Open Box Seats are located on the second (upper and lower level) of the Stella Artois Grandstand. The lower level has green seats that are open to the public, all red seats are reserved for Season Box Holders and require check-in to access.

What identification is needed?

Admission to the Grandstand is free. Guests will go through security to enter.

For dining tickets and boxes – upon check-in to Trackside Terrace, Sky Lounge or Box Seats (pre-purchased or on-site) you will be given credentials for your respective area. You must present these credentials every time you wish to re-enter your reserved location. Failure to show proof of reservation will result in denial of entry.

General Parking and Admissions

Do I need to purchase parking for each day that I attend the races?

Yes, parking must be purchased for each day. Buy online or at Parking Gate, online purchase only. Parking is $15 with Credit, Debit or Apple Pay.

Do I need to purchase admission to attend the races?

Horse racing is FREE to enter and watch with viewing areas on the ground level as well as open seating on the third level of the Stella Artois Grandstands

Do I need to purchase admission?

Admission to the races is FREE. Parking is $15. If there is an all-grounds event occurring on a race day, you must purchase an admission ticket for the event to enter the Grandstand. This includes the Goodguys’ shows. Events within the Grandstand might have admission fees, but are optional (Oktoberfest, Wine Fest). 

What events are happening at the track this fall?
  • Every Friday: Friday Lunch Special – $12 for a hot dog, 20 oz soda and chips from 12pm-1:30pm
  • $5 Hotdogs and $5 Beer (Any beer on tap) every SUNDAY
How do I buy tickets for the upcoming events?
  • You can buy your tickets to upcoming Golden State Racing events online. *All ticket sales are digital*
  • To purchase your tickets online and save time onsite, visit the Alameda County Fair website under “Events” or you can click Here. 

Food & Beverage

What kind of food options are available to the public during racing days?

Food and Beverage are available for purchase in the Grandstand and specialty food vendors will be on grounds during event dates. Dining at Sky Lounge is available with a pre-purchased reservation.

Are outside food and drink permitted?
  • Yes, the following items are permitted per person:
    • Individual pre-prepared or packaged food items
    • 1 soft-sided cooler/insulated bag (16” x 16” x 8” or smaller)
    • 1 backpack or backpack-sized tote
    • Folding chair
    • Blanket
    • Camel packs or non-breakable H20 bottles
  • Items NOT permitted:
    • Cooking equipment of any kind
    • Loose food or food contained in large, catering-style pans, trays, bowls, etc.
    • Hard shell coolers/ice chests (plastic, metal, etc.)
    • Charcoal or flammable liquids
    • Tents 
    • Tables
    • Large shade umbrellas (small umbrellas and parasols are fine)
    • Knives, metal utensils, or any item that be considered or used as a weapon
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Cans or glass containers
What items are not permitted?
  • Pets or animals 
  • firearms, knives or any type of weapon
  • Mace or pepper spray
  • Illegal drugs or narcotics
  • Cannabis products of any kind
  • Bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller blades, Segways
  • Fireworks/firecrackers
  • Drones
Is there a dress code at Trackside Terrace or Sky Lounge?

Yes, Sky Lounge does enforce the following dress code: khakis, slacks, dress shorts/capris, dresses, and jeans in good condition may be worn. Tank tops, flip flops, cut-offs, torn or offensive clothing and leisure athletic wear is not permitted. It is an indoor dining area; dress code is enforced.

Trackside Terrace does not have an enforced dress code but guests are expected to dress respectfully.

Accessibility

What kind of options are available to guests with disabilities?

We have designated accessible parking spaces for guests with disabilities in all of our parking lots that are available on a first come, first serve basis. You must present a disabled plate or placard to access. Additional courtesy parking is reserved during larger events for disabled guests as well. Our standard parking fee is charged for all parking.

Are wheelchair ramps available?

Yes, there is a ramp to enter the Grandstand as well as an elevator to upper floors.

General

Is smoking permitted on the property?

No, smoking is permitted throughout the property. There are designated smoking tents at the track. 

Where are the Fairgrounds located?

In Pleasanton on Bernal Ave and Valley Avenue, off I-680. The main entrances are at Gates 8 and 12, off of Valley Avenue.

Where do I enter/park?

Visitors should enter Gate 12 off 2100 Valley Avenue. You will be directed to the open parking area based on your event. Note, the Yellow Gate off Pleasanton Avenue is not open to Golden State Racing.

Where can I find more information on a particular event?

The Events page lists upcoming events open to the public. Hundreds of events are held at the fairgrounds each year. These events and shows are managed by outside promoters. For detailed information on an event’s admission, parking and policies, visit their website.