The Aiken Triple Crown is made up of three equine-related events happening on three consecutive weekends in March: the Aiken Trials, the Aiken Spring Steeplechase and Pacers & Polo.
The Aiken Standard has compiled ticket and parking information for each event.
Aiken Trials
Saturday, March 19
Aiken Training Track, 538 Two Notch Road
10 a.m. – Gates, vendors and concessions open
11 a.m. – Vendors and concession open
11:30 a.m. – Pre-race festivities
Noon – Races begin after opening ceremonies
• Tickets and parking: General admission ticket is $20 in advance, $25 at gate; infield/outfield general admission parking is $20.
Advance tickets are available at the Aiken Training Track office on Two Notch Road S.E. Tickets also are available at Unique Expressions on Whiskey Road, Aiken Saddlery on East Pine Log Road, Aiken County Visitors Center on Laurens Street, and the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum on Park Avenue. Tickets can also purchase tickets at the gate the day of the event.
• Pony Racing: U.S. Pony Racing will be featured between races throughout the program.
• For availability of railside spaces, call the Aiken Training Track office.
For more information, call the Aiken Training Track office at 803-648-4631 or visit www.aikentrainingtrack.com.
Aiken Spring Steeplechase
Saturday, March 26
Aiken Steeplechase Racecourse, 2020 Richland Ave E.
8 a.m. – Gates open
9 a.m. – Village of Shops opens
10:30 a.m. – Guarantor Terrace, Terrace Boxes and The Winners Club open
Noon – Open ceremonies begin. There will be a Parade of Hounds by the Aiken Hounds followed by a presentation by the Aiken County Pony Club, National Anthem, and prayer.
1 p.m. – First race is at 1 p.m.
1:15 p.m. – Carriage parade starts at 1:15 p.m.
2 p.m. – Second race starts at 2 p.m.
2:45 p.m. – Hat and Crazy Pants Contests*
2:30 p.m. – Third race starts**
3 p.m. – Fourth race starts**
3:30 p.m. – Fifth race starts**
• Tickets: Patron passes are required for entry into the Aiken Steeplechase. General admission patron passes are $40 per person. Children 10 and under are free. Parking is not included and must be purchased separately.
General admission tickets are available online at www.aikensteeplechase.com, at the Aiken Steeplechase office at 538 Two Notch Road, over the phone at 803-648-9641 or at ticket outlets as follows: Aiken County Visitors Center, Aiken Saddlery & Supply, Unique Expressions, all Security Federal Bank locations, Fox and Lady, Hibbitts Pharmacy, and Southside Gallery.
•Guarantor Terrace Party: Guarantor Terrace Party tickets are sold out and include food, parking, open bar and live music. Catered by Keith Ackerman.
• The Winner's Club Tent: The Winner's Club is an exclusive luncheon tent at the finish line. Lunch, open bar, live music. Catered by Blue Collared. Limited number of tickets are sold out.
• Railside and Second Row: Reserved Railside and Second Row Tailgate spots are reserved in advance and are sold out.
• Parking: General Admission Tailgate Parking is $40 and can be purchased by gate color online or at the Steeplechase Office. There are four general tailgate parking zones, three in the infield and one in the outfield. All patrons parking in the infield must be parked before noon. The gates will close to vehicular traffic at noon to preserve footing for the horses on race day. This is not a reserved parking space. Vehicles are parked on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking will be sold at the gate on race day, but attendees are encouraged to buy in advance.
* The contests will take place in the Village. Hat Contest categories include Most Elegant and Spring Themed.
**Tentative start time for races. Races run in 30-45 minute intervals.
For more information, call the Aiken Steeplechase Office at 803-648-9641 or visit www.aikensteeplechase.com.
Pacers & Polo
Saturday, April 2
Powderhouse Polo Field, 820 Powderhouse Road
10:30 a.m. – Gates open
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 pm – Silent auction
11:30 a.m. – VIP lunch served
1 p.m. – Polo match begins
• Match information: There will be an opening ceremony, six 7-minute chukkers, a 20-minute intermission, and an awards ceremony at the end of the match.
• Tickets: General Admission Tickets may be purchased by calling the USC Aiken Athletic Department at 803-641-3486 or 803-641-3331, or at the locations listed below. Advance tickets are $8 for adults; $5 for children (under 6 is free). Tickets at the gate on game day are $10 for adults and $5 for children (under 6 is free).
Advance general admission tickets can be purchased at: All Star Tents and Events on Bettis Academy Road in Graniteville, the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center on Whiskey Road, Lionel Smith Ltd. on Laurens Street, and the USC Aiken Convocation Center on Champion Way in Graniteville.
• VIP Hospitality Tent: VIP tickets are $75 if purchased by March 23; $90 after March 23. VIP admission parking is included. VIP tickets include a buffet lunch hosted by Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, USC Aiken chancellor; railside VIP viewing and seating; an open bar; program; Winner's Circle; and pictures. For information or to purchase VIP Hospitality Tent tickets, call the Office of Advancement at 803-641-3518.
• Parking: $5 per car.
• Railside Spots: $115 per spot and includes 4 general admission tickets and programs. To reserve a railside parking space, call the USC Aiken Athletic Department at 803-641-3331.
• Proceeds: All proceeds provide scholarships for USC Aiken students.
• Rain Date: Sunday, April 3, 2022
For more information, including inclement weather updates, visit www.usca.edu/pacersandpolo.
