Professional sports leagues in the U.S. have seen an increase in demand for high-end seating and extraordinary experiences as new venues and modernized older facilities have placed a focus on building or adding luxury accommodations.

Fans have grown accustomed to 96-inch high-definition televisions, second-screen viewing options for big events, and sports betting at their fingertips, so it makes sense that franchises in sports like the NFL must provide incentives to leave the comforts of home to venture out in inclement weather when championship games are held.

Breeders’ Cup premium hospitality options include the Skyroom Lounge. (Breeders’ Cup photo)

Horse racing in 2024 must also cater to high-end clientele. The good news for those attending the Breeders’ Cup World Championships is that weather should not be an issue. It will almost certainly be a picture-perfect two days at Del Mar in the San Diego area on Nov. 1-2, but demand for an exceptional experience at the sport’s marquee two-day fall event is sky high.

One of the keys to premium seating is optionality, because fans – some traveling across the country – no doubt have different notions of an ideal day at the racetrack.

“Our new premium hospitality areas at Del Mar provide the ultimate high-end sporting experience to patrons seeking to enjoy the World Championships in style,” said Stefanie Palmieri, Vice President of Events for Breeders’ Cup Limited. “From the Seabiscuit Skyroom Lounge, which includes climate-controlled dining and exclusive exterior terraces with sweeping views of the racetrack and Pacific coastline, to the complimentary reserved Clubhouse seat and stunning paddock views of the Celebrity Grill Lounge, there are multiple ways to curate your experience while you celebrate the World Championships.”

Amazing food is an essential component of a great sports experience. (Breeders’ Cup photo)

For many fans, the pathway to an unforgettable sporting experience is through great food. If you are looking for fine cuisine at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup, the Seabiscuit Skyroom Lounge is a lock. The lounge features a climate-controlled dining area highlighted by a gourmet buffet curated by Michelin-starred Chef Curtis Stone, plus an all-inclusive premium bar with access to a private exterior terrace lounge and the aforementioned remarkable views of both the racetrack and the coastline. We’re talking comfort and elegance paired with decadent dining!

Fans visiting Del Mar with an eye on cashing a few big tickets in addition to sampling some scrumptious fare will no doubt find a match with either the Celebrity Grill Lounge or the Longshot Lounge. Who doesn’t love a longshot?!

The Celebrity Grill Lounge pairs luxury and excitement and offers a gourmet buffet plus a complimentary reserved Clubhouse seat located right by the finish line. The Celebrity lounge features private wagering facilities, a bar serving up tasty hand-crafted drinks, and a covered terrace for a complete Del Mar experience.

Add-on options can elevate your experience. (Breeders’ Cup photo)

The Longshot Lounge is located just behind the Clubhouse seats and grants fans access to a climate-controlled interior, a selection of local cuisine and hors d’oeuvres throughout the day, and a private exterior terrace. Like the Celebrity Grill, the Longshot Lounge provides access to a private bar and wagering facilities, featuring a dedicated betting expert to answer any wagering questions or help fans uncover a winner. The Longshot Lounge is the perfect add-on experience for those that already have a Clubhouse reserved ticket.

The Fountain Club is a terrific add-on for racing fans with a Stretch Run reserved seat for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup looking to enhance the experience with a sampling of great local food, private self-serve betting machines, a private cash bar, and lounge seating in the shade. You’ll even be greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne when you arrive and have access to a betting specialist to help you cash a few tickets.

It’s always a balancing act between making the championship event accessible for the day-to-day fan who wants a beer, a bite to eat, and a day of betting the ponies but also giving those seeking an elevated experience multiple options to choose from as they prepare for an unforgettable weekend of racing. Breeders’ Cup aims to offer something for everyone!