Code of Conduct
22nd District Agricultural Association
Del Mar Fairgrounds
San Diego County Fair
Notice: The 22nd District Agricultural Association (District) is a State of California institution that owns and operates 324 acres of property known as Del Mar Fairgrounds, Surf & Turf Recreation Center, and Del Mar Horsepark (collectively, the “Fairgrounds”). The District, which is governed by a nine-member Board appointed by the Governor of California, produces the annual San Diego County Fair and hosts an array of events and activities, including live horse racing meets.
Welcome to the Del Mar Fairgrounds! To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience for all our guests, we require all guests to abide by the following code of conduct. Guests are also expected to follow all local, state, and federal laws while visiting the Fairgrounds. Failure to comply may result in removal from the Fairgrounds without a refund.
Safety Rules
- Follow Posted Rules: Guests should comply with safety requirements and follow directions from staff and security personnel.
- Subject to Safety Search: All guests and containers (such as bags, backpacks, coolers, and other items) are subject to a safety search and/or protective screening upon entry to and within the Fairgrounds.
- Prohibited Items: Weapons, fireworks, and other dangerous items — as well as toys and other items that resemble or mimic weaponry — are strictly prohibited. Guests are also not allowed to use tents, glass containers, large umbrellas, drones, selfie sticks, bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters, except when explicitly authorized by the District.
- Alcohol and Substance Use: Consumption of alcohol is only permitted in designated areas when specified. Illegal drugs and substances are strictly prohibited. Guests who appear intoxicated or under the influence may be asked to leave the premises.
- Vandalism: Any vandalism, graffiti, or destruction of District property may result in legal action.
- Face Coverings: Other than medical or health masks, guests may be asked to remove items that obscure their faces.
- Speed Limit: Guests are expected to drive safely while in Fairgrounds parking lots and roadways and must observe the 15 mph speed limit. Drivers must not operate vehicles in restricted areas.
- Restricted Access: Guests shall not enter restricted areas or buildings that are not open to the public.
- Safe Movement: Guests may not block the safe movement of people, vehicles, and goods through the Fairgrounds by blocking any building, booth, exhibit, concession stands, bars, performance areas and stages, ticket window, gate, stage doorway, walkway, fire exit, or stairway.
- Orderly Behavior: Guests should not cause harm or impede the enjoyment of others through disorderly conduct. Such conduct includes horseplay, fighting, vandalism, profanity, using obscene gestures, interrupting events and entertainment, threatening or intimidating actions or behavior, throwing items, spitting, discriminatory actions, and placing feet on tables.
Common Courtesies
- Respect and Courtesy for Others: Guests are expected to treat all fairgoers, staff, and vendors with common courtesy and respect. The District does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, profane or obscene language, or any form of abusive, aggressive, or hostile or disruptive behavior.
- Keep Surroundings Clean: Guests are asked to do their part to help keep the Fairgrounds clean for others by disposing of trash and waste in designated bins. We ask that guests recycle whenever possible and be mindful of the environment and others’ experiences.
- Proper Attire: Shoes and shirts are required to be worn at all times. Guests will also be asked to conceal or cover clothing that could be considered profane, explicit, graphic, or indecent by reasonable community standards. Refusal to accept reasonable alternatives could result in removal from the Fairgrounds.
- Smoking Areas: Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, is only allowed in designated smoking areas.
Expectations and Notices
- Grounds are Monitored: Guests are hereby notified that the Fairgrounds are monitored 24 hours a day by security cameras and security patrol.
- Image and Likeness: Guests entering the Fairgrounds grant unrestricted rights and license to the District, promoters, and other associated entities or their respective agents to use their likeness captured at the facility in connection with broadcast, telecast, photograph, marketing materials, or other transmission or reproduction in connection with the event.
- Tickets: Guests shall present their tickets when requested. At ticketed events, guests should only sit or stand in their ticketed locations
- Solicitation and Sales: Solicitation — including contributions or signatures, leafletting, advertising, picketing or displaying signs, posters or banners — is permitted in designated areas by authorized vendors. The sales and distribution of goods and services may only be conducted in designated commercial space by contracted vendors and operators.
- Americans with Disabilities Act: The Fairgrounds operates in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service animals must remain under the control of the owner at all times.
General Prohibitions
- Pets: We love pets, but they are not allowed at the Fairgrounds unless explicitly authorized by District management for events and activities. ADA service animals are permitted.
- Tailgating: Tailgating and pop-up tents and canopies are not permitted at the Fairgrounds without the prior written approval of the District.
- Hours Restrictions: Guests are expected to leave the Fairgrounds after events and activities have been concluded. Guests will not be permitted to re-enter the Fairgrounds after advertised gate-closure hours.
- Unauthorized Vehicles: Vehicles that are not authorized to be parked at the Fairgrounds, including unauthorized overnight property, may be towed at the owner’s expense. Guests must also only drive in designated areas and must follow instructions of staff.
We appreciate your cooperation, and we hope you enjoy your time at the Fairgrounds.