FAQs

***** ABSOLUTELY NO PETS *****

Q: What items are NOT permitted in our reserved space/tent?

A:  Personal tent, grills, banners, balloons, patio/beach umbrellas and pets are not permitted at the races. Please leave these items at home.

Q: Car Ticketing?

A: Each vehicle must have a pass, each person must have a wristband.  Car passes included in your package are for personal cars.  If you are contracting a ride service please call the office to discuss the correct pass needed.

Q: Guest Ticketing Option?

A:  Each guest 13 years of age and up must have a personal ticket.

General Admission tickets are able to access either the North or South General Areas of the grounds.
Members Hill Admission tickets are required to access Members Hill located in the middle of the property.  These tickets are only available to guests who purchase a reserved space for race day in either a tailgate area or tented area.  They are not available as single tickets.

Q: "How do I become a member of the Virginia Gold Cup Association?"

A: You become a member of the association by purchasing a ticket to one of our races. At the time of ticket purchase, you are also placed on our mailing list. There are no annual dues for members.

Q: "How can I purchase tickets?"
A: There are many different parking pass packages. You may purchase tickets online beginning January 22, 2024

Q: "What is the reserved space renewal deadline for spring?"
A:  February 15, 2024 @ 6pm

Q: "If I have a tent/parking space for spring do I have the same space automatically in the fall? And vice versa?"

Q: "Are Children admitted free of charge?"

A: Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult.

Q: "There are so many types of tickets, is there an easy way to understand which is which?"

A: The Great Meadow racecourse is divided into three sections (when facing the race course): Members Hill (the center of the course), North Rail area (to the left of Members Hill), and the South Rail (to the right of Members Hill). Members Hill has the best views of the course, and is centered directly on the finish line and next to the saddling paddock. Admission to Members Hill requires a special badge. The types of tickets can be broken down into three groups. General Subscriber - unreserved parking on either the North or South Rail general parking areas, reserved parking - available for all three sections of the racecourse, and tent purchases - also available for all three sections as well.

Q: "When do the gates open, and what is closing time?"
A: Gates open to the public at 10am - All gates will close at 7pm. See Race Day Schedule for day’s activities.

Q: "What time do the races start?"
A: The first race on the card is scheduled for 1pm.

Q: "Are the races ever cancelled?"
A: The races are held rain or shine in any type of weather. There are absolutely NO REFUNDS.

Q: "Is there parking outside the gates?"
A: Parking is not available outside the gates - and would be considered a traffic hazard. The Virginia State Police strictly enforce a towing policy.

Q: "Is there food for sale at the races?"
A:  No, walk up food sales are not supported at the races at this time.  We have an approved list of caterers that you may order food and beverages from or you may bring your own.  New in 2024 we will have a Tavern area located on the North side which will handle walkup sales along with pre-purchased food and beverage band options.

Q: "What about caterers?"

A: https://vagoldcup.com/hospitality will direct you to our approved caterers.

Q: Can I rent tables and chairs?"
A: All tables and chairs must be ordered through the Virginia Gold Cup equipment provider, Commonwealth Event Company.  Information can be found at https://vagoldcup.com/hospitality

Q: "What about restrooms?"
A: While free public sanitary facilities will be available onsite, private portable restrooms may be ordered for tents and some reserved spaces.  Information can be found at https://vagoldcup.com/hospitality

Q: "Can I buy ice/beer/wine at the race?"
A: Ice may be purchased from Reddy Ice on race day but you will need to bring your own beverages to cool.

Q: "What do people wear?"
A: Afternoon dress is suggested for this event. Women guests on Members Hill customarily wear summer/spring dresses and hats. Flat heels are suggested. Men wear lightweight sport coats and ties. Shorts are not appropriate for Members Hill. Attire on the rails is marginally more relaxed - we recommend a sportswear look for women and khakis with collared shirts for men. Jeans are rarely seen at Gold Cup.