The Polo Field was once a world-class horse racing track before being repurposed into a multi-use athletic space.
The outer cycling track was once the training ground for major competitive cyclists, including Olympic hopefuls.
The surrounding bowl structure provides a natural amphitheater effect that dampens city noise.
The field area is frequently used as a staging ground for large-scale outdoor events and festivals in the park.
The Golden Gate Park Polo Field is a 30-acre multi-purpose venue featuring a central grass field surrounded by a quarter-mile velodrome cycling track. Located in the western section of Golden Gate Park, it serves as a primary site for soccer, rugby, and cycling training in San Francisco. The field occupies a large, flat bowl-shaped depression that was once a racetrack for horses during the early 20th century. Today, the facility is managed by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department and hosts various amateur sports leagues throughout the year. The track surface is paved, while the interior field consists of natural turf maintained for various athletic activities.
From the elevated ridge on the southern rim looking north across the entire oval track.
Bring a windbreaker, as the western location in Golden Gate Park is prone to strong ocean breezes.
Check the official San Francisco Recreation and Park website for field closures before visiting, as leagues often reserve the space for private games.
If cycling on the track, yield to faster riders and keep to the right.
Attempting to use the field during scheduled league games or special permitted events.
The field is subject to closure for maintenance or private event permits; check the official city website for real-time field status.
Stay off the grass if a match is in progress; do not cross the velodrome track without checking for cyclists.
