DMSB Welcomes Back Phil Blair, Director of the Del Mar Fairgrounds
We were honored to welcome back Phil Blair, who once again joined us as a guest speaker to share his expertise and insight into the rich history of the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Phil was appointed to the Board of Directors in March 2024, where he helps guide the fairgrounds' master plan, business strategy, and community engagement initiatives.
For a bit of history: the Del Mar Fairgrounds opened in 1936 on a 340-acre site in Del Mar. Hollywood legend Bing Crosby helped found the property and established its now-famous racetrack in 1937. Just a year later, in 1938, the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit won a historic match race at the track, cementing its place in national sports history.
Today, the fairgrounds are best known for hosting the Del Mar Fair each June, one of the region's biggest annual events and a major source of revenue for the property. The fairgrounds currently employ 90 permanent staff, supplemented by approximately 1,200 seasonal workers during peak periods.
Thank you, Phil, for once again taking time out of your busy schedule to share your knowledge with us during a truly memorable Friday morning meeting.