FAQs

Location and Event Details:

Q: Where is Steeplechase of Charleston located?

A: Steeplechase of Charleston is located at The Stono Ferry Racetrack. 5000 Old York Course, Hollywood, SC 29449

Dress Code and Attire:

Q: Is there a dress code for this event?

A: There is no formal dress code for this event. Ladies often opt for elegant dresses and beautifully crafted hats, while gentlemen often opt for sports jackets and bowties. Our guests also wear Sunday best attire, blue jeans, ballcaps and other casual attire. Also, comfortable shoes are a must! Take a look at our Instagram page @steeplechaseofcharleston for some inspiration.

Tickets and Refunds:

Q: What is the refund policy?

A: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds for tickets. Consider gifting them to a friend or family member!

Q: Can I buy Steeplechase of Charleston tickets on race day?

A: Yes, if the event doesn’t sell out, tickets will be available for purchase on race day at Gate 3. Please note, we do not have a will call.

Tents, Tailgates and Hospitality:

Q: What is included with my tailgate?

A: Your tailgate purchase includes (2) General Admission Tickets, (1) Parking Pass, and (1) 11’x22′ Tailgating Space for your vehicle and tailgate set up. You can use the map on the ticketing page to select your desired tailgate spot. Your ticket does not include a tent. Please note that tailgate spots may be subject to shift slightly due to weather conditions before or on race day.

Q: Can I bring my own tent?

A: Only Tailgate attendees are allowed to bring their own tent. Please note, for the safety of our guests and horses, if you are bringing your own tent, please make sure your tent is weighted and/or secured. If you are bringing your own pop-up tent, select “I’m bringing my own tent” at check-out for an additional purchase of $20. General Admission, Lexus VIP Lounge, and Hospitality guests are not permitted to bring their own tent

Q: How do I get a tent?

A: You have the option to bring your own tent for a $20.00 fee or you can purchase a Tailgate Package Add On that includes (1) 10×10 Tent, (1) 6′ table, (1) 90×120 linen and (4) outdoor folding chairs for a $295.00 fee. The Tailgate Package Add On must be purchased at the time of your tailgate order. Please note, for the safety of our guests and horses, if you are bringing your own tent, make sure your tent is weighted and/or secured. If you are bringing your own tent, select “I’m bringing my own tent” at check-out. This will apply a $20 fee that will go towards the event staff that will be going around checking the security and safety of your tent. If you do not properly secure your tent it will be subject to removal.

Q: Can I book a private box or hospitality package?

A: We offer premium rail side views of the Homestretch (Finish Line) through our hospitality tents. If you’re interested in reserving a hospitality package for race day, please contact info@steeplechaseofcharleston.com or msimons@postandcourier.com.

Event Logistics and Restrictions:

Q: Can I meet the horses or jockeys during the event?

A: Meeting the horses or jockeys during the event is generally not possible due to safety reasons and their busy schedules, however you can watch the jockeys prepare in the paddocks and wish them luck!

Q: Are RVs, mobile homes, sprinter vans, etc. allowed on the in-field?

A: No, no oversized vehicles are allowed on the in-field. Oversized vehicles are welcome to drop off attendees at our Ride Shared Drop-Off location (Gate 2) but will not be allowed on the in-field or by tailgates.

Q: Can I Rideshare to the event?

A: Yes, we encourage guests to rideshare or carpool to the event due to limited parking. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up is located at Gate 2.

Q: Is handicap parking available?

A: Yes, however we have limited handicap parking spots available, please email us at info@steeplechaseofcharleston to reserve a spot for race day. We will also be utilizing a golf cart to help transport those utilizing handicap parking if they need it.

Q: Can children attend?

A: Yes, children are encouraged to attend the event. General admission tickets for children ages 12 and under are free and should be redeemed directly through the ticketing site. Free children’s tickets do not include the Lexus VIP Lounge. Children in the Lexus VIP Lounge must have a ticket for entry and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Q: Are dogs allowed?

A: No, to ensure a safe environment for all horses and patrons, we do not allow pets.

Q: If I only have a General Admission ticket, can I bring seating or a cooler to watch the race?

A: Yes, General Admission ticket holders may bring a chair and/or cooler. Your chair is subject to being moved if you block ANY patron’s view of the racetrack.

Q: Are umbrellas allowed?

A: No, we do not allow parasols, sun umbrellas, beach or patio umbrellas for the safety of both our guests and the equine athletes.

Q: Will restrooms be available on-site?

A: Yes, there are portolets positioned near all tailgates areas. We accommodate personal portolets in hospitality areas only.

Q: Will there be food?

A: Yes, food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase on race day for all ticket holders. General admission and tailgate ticket holders have access to our food merchants. Lexus VIP Lounge tickets include food and drink.

Q: Can we bring a grill?

A: No open flames, grills, propane tanks, or fireworks. Burners to keep food warm are permitted.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: We hope for beautiful weather as the races will take place! New parking, ingress and egress, track management, and on-site plans have been designed to lessen the potential effects of inclement weather that might occur leading up to the race day. The safety of our athletes and guest is a priority, should inclement weather impact safety, we will notify.

Schedule and Activities:

Q: What time should I get there?

A: To ensure a full day of fall festivities, gates will open at 8:00 A.M. The first race will start at 1:00 P.M., so there is plenty of time to arrive, park, unpack, and shop before the horses run. Please keep traffic in mind as the majority of guests arrive between 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. We recommend getting there as early as you can to avoid traffic and enjoy the beautiful race track and Merchant Market! Times subject to change slightly

Q: What is the race day schedule?

A:

8:00 AM Event Gates Open/General Admission Parking Opens/Shuttle Service Begins
10:30 AM Stage Entertainment Begins
10:30 AM The Corgi Cup: Warm-up
11:00 AM Lexus VIP Lounge Opens
11:30 AM The Corgi Cup: Race 1
12:30 PM Opening Ceremonies sponsored by Friends of Fisher House
1:00 PM Race 1 – The Post and Courier Cup
1:45 PM Race 2 – The Editor’s Cup sponsored by Booze Pops
2:05 PM The Corgi Cup: Race 2
2:30 PM Race 3 – The Lexus Cup sponsored by Hendrick Lexus Charleston
3:15 PM Race 4 – The Alston Cup sponsored by The Post and Courier
4:00 PM Race 5 – The Charleston Cup sponsored by the South Carolina Jockey Club
5:00 PM Event Gates Closed
5:30 PM Shuttle Service Ends

Times subject to change slightly

Other Questions:

Q: Can attendees bet on horses?

A: No, pari-mutual wagering is currently not legal in the state of South Carolina.

Q: What is Merchant Market?

A: Merchant Market is the perfect place at the Steeplechase of Charleston to get all of your holiday shopping done. With over thirty local merchants each year, you are sure to find something special for your significant other, close friend, or family member on race day.

Q: Can I volunteer with the Steeplechase of Charleston?

A: Absolutely, to become a volunteer at the Steeplechase of Charleston please follow the sign up link here.

Have more questions about Steeplechase of Charleston? E-mail info@steeplechaseofcharleston.com