Accessibility Information

Accessible parking exceeding what is required by law is provided in our Main Parking Lot off Jimmy Durante Boulevard with paid parking. All satellite parking lots have accessible parking spaces as required by law.
• All parking is first-come, first-served.
• RVs and any vehicle that cannot fit into one parking space are not allowed.
• The Fair operates off-site parking at several locations, with each having marked accessible parking and accessible transportation shuttles.
• NCTD/Lift will drop off and pick up at West Gate. It's a service that disabled guests in North County only can use.
• Set up your own appointment by calling 760-966-6500 for more information.
• For MTS San Diego transit needs call 619-233-3004 for more information, or own Paratransit provider.

All entrance gates are accessible; however the O’Brien Gate entrance is closest to accessible parking and off-site parking lot shuttles. The West Gate is closest to public transit drop-off.

Wheelchair and electric scooter rental locations are at the O’Brien, Arena, and West Gates and are serviced by Scootaround. Wheelchairs and motorized scooters may be reserved in advance at Scootaround, or by calling (888) 441-7575. Day-of rentals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For all rentals, a driver’s license will be held as a deposit.

• Scooters - $70/day
• Wheelchairs - $25/day

Guests with disabilities may bring in wheelchairs and motorized scooters with three or more wheels that comply with the ADA wheelchair footprint to be used as a mobility device.
The maximum speed for any powered mobility device is equal to walking pedestrians. Anyone operating their mobility device, regardless of type, in a manner deemed unsafe will be warned to use their mobility device appropriately.
• Operators of mobility devices must yield to pedestrians.
• No device can be attached to any mobility device while at the Fair.
• If an individual chooses not to comply, he or she will be asked to leave the Fairgrounds property.
• All mobility devices, including OPDMDs, will be hand-screened by Security.
• OPDMD device greater than 24"x48" may only be used when the anticipated attendance is less than 31,500.
• An OPDMD may not be left unattended at any time. The exceptions are wheelchairs and scooters that are in the Grandstand for concerts or by the fence at the San Diego Showcase Stage. The Del Mar Fairgrounds and 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) is not responsible for any theft or damage of any unattended OPDMD.
• No mobility device may be used in an area that has a turning radius of less than 3 inches per 12 inches of length of their device. (For example, the ADA footprint for a standard wheelchair is 48 inches; therefore, there would need to be 60 inches (5 feet) of clear turning radius for a device to be considered accessible in the area). A path of travel must be the width of the device plus 3 feet for other pedestrians.
• No OPDMD may be stationary less than 20 feet from any entrance or exit. The only exception is if foot traffic is at a standstill.
• An OPDMD must be less than 84 inches in height, including occupant(s), to be inside any building with standard doors.
• OPDMDs may be restricted from any area the general public may enter if the Fairgrounds has determined usage of an OPDMD is inappropriate or unsafe.
• Not all facilities and areas are accessible for mobility devices that are greater than 48 inches in length.
• OMPMD must have three or more wheels. Exceptions will be made for Segways that are used as a mobility device.

Reasonable accommodation for most services can be provided with at least 72 hours of notice. Please allow at least two weeks’ notice for American Sign Language interpreter service. If additional assistance is needed, please contact Amy Billburg at (858) 792-4217 or abillburg@sdfair.com. All messages will be returned as soon as possible. Please allow 72 hours for a response. If immediate assistance is needed, please call our 24-hour dispatch number, (858) 792-4271. They will be able to contact staff members who will be able to assist.

Please note: Assistants/Companions helping Individuals with disabilities must have their own admission ticket to the Fair. While courtesy passes have been offered at no charge in the past, they are no longer provided and are not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA requires individuals with a disability to be offered the same amenities as all other patrons.

Grandstand concert seating policies:
• Early line-up and admission is provided for people needing assistance.
• People requesting assistance should arrive two hours prior to the concert at the third floor of the Grandstand.
• Wait in the foyer to be seated inside the Grandstand.
• The person with a disability will be allowed early access with four companions. All people attending concerts must have a ticket to enter the Grandstand; Grandstand shows are not included with Fair admission.

Please Note: on July 4, one companion will be allowed to accompany the disabled patron into ADA seating. Saving more than two seats is prohibited.

Questions can be answered at the Box Office at (858) 792-4252. The ADA Coordinator, her staff and Fair Ambassadors will be present for any assistance that may be needed.

Insurance requires all individuals on a ride to pay. ADA law does not require that the Fair allow free admission on rides for individuals assisting a person with a disability.

Individuals with a disability may ride on any ride when they meet the following criteria:
• If they can board in a manner that the ride requires without the help of the operator or other Fair patron; and
• If they meet the requirements set forth by the manufacturer of the ride.

All guests who wear orthopedic casts, body casts, plaster casts, or surgical casts are required to sign a waiver for rides. Guests under age 18 must have an adult present to sign the waiver. Waivers may be obtained in Guest Services.

The Fair's restrooms have stalls for people with disabilities, as well as changing tables.

A private restroom large enough for a wheelchair plus a caregiver is available at Guest Services (East Grandstand, First Floor).

Guest Services has a quiet room for nursing mothers, parents of infants, or families with special needs. The room is equipped with a highchair, changing table, and related amenities.

Patrons with autism and other sensory-sensitive conditions may find the sights and sounds of the Fair challenging and overwhelming. To help make their visit more enjoyable, the Fair has partnered with KultureCity, whose Sensory Inclusion program has been successfully implemented in various public venues across the United States. Our Sensory Station, as well as noise-canceling headphones and other tools, are offered for use courtesy of our partnership with KultureCity. Visit the Guest Services Office in the East Grandstand for more information.
• Quiet Areas: The Fair has designated "Quiet Areas" throughout the Fairgrounds. These areas typically have less activity, plus spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated.
• Sensory Station in the Guest Services Office. First floor, east end of the Grandstand Building
• Headphone Areas: The Fair has identified areas that are noisy and where guests tend to linger as "Headphone Areas:"
• Fun Zone (rides and games)
• Kids' Zone (rides and games)
• All stages during live performances
• The Arena during live performances

Service dogs are welcome at the Fair, but "comfort animals" do not qualify under the ADA guidelines from the Department of Justice and will not be allowed into the Fair.

At the Fair, the pavement can be 15-20 degrees warmer than the temperature of the air, so we recommend you use shoes on your dog. If your dog needs to cool off, the Guest Services Office is air conditioned, and you are welcome to make a short visit.
Relief areas are designated with signs in four locations; and these are the only designated areas for relieving your dog. Please clean up after your dog.
• On the west side of Bing Crosby Hall, between the hall and the Seaside Pavilion.
• On the bark (in the Tunnel) between the Grandstand and Paddock area.
• In Family Funville by the tunnel leading to the Fun Zone; and
• Across from the southeast corner of the Livestock Barn.