Tailgating Passes for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Are Now on Sale!

Reserved tailgate spots allow fans to be right next to the dynamic cross country action! Photo by Michelle C. Dunn.

Cross country tailgating has become a sport in and of itself in recent years, with fans lining up beside galloping lanes to watch the action in the company of friends (and snacks!). As of today, reserved tailgate spots are now available for the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

The event takes place Oct. 14-17 at the newly constructed Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Elkton, Maryland, with cross country held throughout the day on Saturday, Oct. 16. There’ll be plenty of action to go around: In addition to the CCI5*-L, the event will feature a CCI3*-L, which is serving as the USEF CCI3*-L Eventing National Championship, and The Dutta Corp. USEA Young Event Horse East Coast Championships Presented by Dubarry of Ireland.

“We are so excited to offer this fantastic tailgating experience at the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill,” said Marissa Melzer, Ticketing & Hospitality Director. “The chance for families, friends and/or co-workers to be together outdoors for a day at beautiful Fair Hill this Fall, while enjoying their favorite tailgating menu so close to these elite athletes and horses is sure to be an experience they’ll never forget!”

Image via Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill.

There are a variety of opportunities strategically selected at several locations including 74 “Rope Side” spots along the four-mile cross country course with incredible views of both the 5* and 3* competitions, and another 49 spots along the 3* course with views of the 3* competition only but within short walking distance of the 5 Star course. There will also be an option for general tailgating spots within easy walking distance of both courses. Shuttle service will be available for convenient access to Retail Vendor Areas, concessions, and other entertainment going on in the infield.

Purchase of a Tailgating Pass (Rope Side or General) includes one (1) car pass and six (6) Saturday General Admission tickets. All Rope Side Tailgating spaces are 16 ft. across and sufficiently deep to allow cars to back in and tailgate in the front of their space with lots of room. Tailgating Tents can be rented for use in Rope Side spaces for $250 (personal tents will not be permitted for the safety of the athletes, horses and spectators). Tailgaters will be allowed to bring in their own food and beverage. An assortment of picnic style catering options will be also offered for purchase by the event caterer as well.

Prices range from $500 for a space along the 5 Star course, $300 for a space along the 3 Star course and $250 for a General Admission space. Additional General Admission tickets beyond the six included with the space can be purchased to accommodate extra guests at a cost of $35 in advance. Tailgating move-in will be Saturday morning prior to the start of the 3 Star competition with flexibility for a second round of move-in (and move-out if desired) in the mid-day period between the completion of the 3*competition and the start of the 5*.

Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

To reserve one of only a select amount of these exclusive Tailgating spots along with further information, competition schedule, and all other ticket packages, visit www.Maryland5Star.us or contact Marissa Melzer at [email protected].

Event Organizers will continue to monitor health and safety protocols. Updates and policies as deemed necessary will be available through the event website