Del Mar Thoroughbred Club 2005 racing season commences on July 20, 2005 and continues through September 7 (closed on Tuesdays). Subject to a few dates, gates are usually open at noon on weekdays and 11.30am on weekends.

Admission is only US$5 (no seat included). Active Military get in for free.

Del Mar will offer the unique "Four O'Clock Friday" this year. What this means in practice is a free concert for all race-goers. All concerts will start after the race schedule ends. The first four Fridays (July 22-Aug. 12), post time is 4 pm and concerts begin at approximately 7:30 pm. The last three Fridays, (Aug. 19-Sept. 2), post time is 3:30 pm and concerts begin at approximately 7 pm.

July 22- G. Love & Special Sauce
July 29- Super Diamond
Aug. 5- Violent Femmes
Aug. 12- Donavon Frankenreiter
Aug. 19- TBD
Aug. 26- Blues Traveler
Sept. 2- TBD

The DMTC's Saturday schedule includes two free concerts held in the infield following the last race on Aug. 13 and Aug. 27.

Aug. 13- Cake
Aug. 27- Ziggy Marley & Common Sense

It may be a sign of my age or upbringing but I can't say that I have ever attended the races to listen to a concert. Having said that, it's certainly important for Clubs to be catering to different target audiences - especially the younger ones. Hats off then to Del Mar then for adding a musical touch to the 2005 "Surf & Turf" summer racing season.