TAILGATING
Join the excitement of the 33rd Running of the Willowdale Steeplechase, a beloved spring tradition supporting Stroud™ Water Research Center and Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center. Enjoy six sanctioned steeplechase races, Jack Russell Terrier Races, pony races, Kids’ Alley, and festive competitions throughout the day.
This year’s tailgate theme is Groovy at the Gallops — Boho at Willowdale.
Think relaxed boho style, retro flair, and horses front and center. Dress up your tailgate, your outfit, or both for the Tailgate Competition, plus Best Dressed and Best Hat awards judged throughout the day.
The event takes place on Willowdale’s scenic 160-acre property in Kennett Square, PA. Children 12 and under are free with an adult ticket holder.
To register your tailgate for the competition, please email your name, tailgate location, and cell phone number to tickets@willowdale.org. We will let you know when your tailgate will be judged.
Ticketing Dates:
Feb 9th – March 8th
Tickets On Sale for General Admission, Alumni Tailgate Renewals, and Open Tailgates
March 9th – May 5th
General Admission Tickets continue to be on sale, as well as Open Tailgates, and all Alumni Tailgates not renewed by this point are released, open for new purchases.
May 6th – May 9th, 2026
All ticket and tailgate prices INCREASE BY 15%. Buy your tickets early!
THE TURF CLUB
Fully Catered VIP Tent Overlooking the Racecourse
Relax and enjoy race day from the comfort of The Turf Club, a fully catered tent offering prime views of the racecourse and closed-circuit TV to follow the action throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully prepared, changing menu from Gia Bella Catering, along with a selection of fine wines and signature cocktails crafted by Pennsylvania Distilling Company.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply looking to enjoy the races without packing a picnic, The Turf Club offers an easy, social, and elevated way to experience Willowdale.
The Turf Club Access & General Admission: $200
Includes General Admission to Grounds and Access to VIP tent for one. Enter through Gate 1 and park in General Admission lot. Short walk to fully catered the Turf Club VIP tent including food, beverages and open bar. (One Ticket per Person.)
The Turf Club Access Add-On ticket: $150
This Ticket does NOT grant admission to the Grounds only to the Turf Club VIP tent. You have to have a valid admission ticket to access Grounds. Tailgate passes or Official credential qualify. You will gain access to fully catered tent including food, beverages and open bar. (One Ticket per Person.)
The VIP Parking next to Turf Club tent: $100
MEMBERS HILL – RAILSIDE
$550
A long-standing tradition, MEMBERS HILL
TAILGATE – RAIL SIDE offers an up-close
view of the races. So pack a picnic and
reserve yours today!
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #2
Tax-Deductible Portion $350
MEMBERS HILL – HILLSIDE
$500
Reserve your MEMBERS HILL TAILGATE
– HILL SIDE for a bird’s eye view of the
racecourse.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #2
Tax-Deductible Portion $300
WATER JUMP – RAILSIDE
$500
A Willowdale Steeplechase WATER JUMP
TAILGATE – RAIL SIDE offers an amazing
view of the races in front of the course’s
signature Water Jump.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #4
Tax-Deductible Portion $300
WATER JUMP – HILLSIDE
$450
A Willowdale Steeplechase WATER JUMP
TAILGATE – HILL SIDE is the place to be to
see a 180-degree view of the racecourse.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #4
Tax-Deductible Portion $250
THE TURN – RAILSIDE
$375
Enjoy a day at the races with up close
viewing with family and friends by
purchasing a RAIL SIDE TAILGATE on THE
TURN. One of the most popular areas for
race viewing.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #4
Tax-Deductible Portion $175
THE TURN – HILLSIDE
$325
Enjoy a full day at the races with family
and friends by purchasing a HILL SIDE
TAILGATE on THE TURN.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #4
Tax-Deductible Portion $125
THE FIELD – RAILSIDE
$280
The FIELD TAILGATE – RAIL SIDE area
offers a great up-close view of all the
racing action. A good place to gather
with friends and family for a full day of
racing fun.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #2
Tax-Deductible Portion $80
THE FIELD – HILLSIDE
$250
The FIELD TAILGATE – HILL SIDE area
offers a bird’s eye view of all the racing
action with a vantage point of the entire
racecourse.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space 10’x20’
(4) Admission Tickets
Enter Gate #2
Tax-Deductible Portion $50
PRIVATE PARTY PADDOCK
TURN $1100
Invite clients or friends to your 10 x 10
RAIL SIDE TAILGATE TENT on THE TURN.
One of the most popular areas for race
viewing. Space for (1) car behind tent, all
others park in General Admission.
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(10) Admission Tickets
(1) 8ft table
Enter Gate #4
Tax-Deductible Portion $435
PRIVATE PARTY PADDOCK
MEMBERS HILL $1100
Invite clients or friends to your 10 x 10
TAILGATE TENT on THE MEMBERS HILL
overlooking the course. Space for (1) car
behind tent, all others park in General
Admission
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space
(10) Admission Tickets
(1) 8ft table
Enter Gate #2
Tax-Deductible Portion $435
HANDICAP TAILGATE
PACKAGE $100
NO DAY OF SALES
Do you have a handicap car permit? Then
you qualify for an easy access HANDICAP
TAILGATE PACKAGE. Spaces limited.
Must be purchased Prior to Race Day.
(2) Admission Tickets
(1) Reserved Tailgate Space on THE TURN
Enter Gate #4
GENERAL ADMISSION & PREFERRED PARKING
GENERAL ADMISSION
$50 per person
(1) Admission Ticket
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
Enter Gate #1
PREFERRED PARKING
$50 per car
Can be purchased in conjunction with General Admission or
other Admission Tickets. Park closer to Main Area.
Enter Gate #2