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Polo Field & Stadium
Golden Gate Park’s Polo Field is one of the park’s largest open recreation spaces and one of its most adaptable. Opened in 1906 as the Golden Gate Park Stadium, it has hosted polo, cycling, soccer, rugby, running, civic gatherings, counterculture history and today’s Outside Lands Music + Arts Festival.
A Stadium Born in 1906
The stadium was inaugurated on July 4, 1906, only months after the earthquake and fire. Funding came from public subscription and park resources.
The original design combined a horse track, bicycle track and central athletic grounds intended in part for polo. Tunnels through the raised perimeter allowed direct field access.
Cycling, Running, Soccer & Recreation
Today the site supports soccer, cycling, running and other organized recreation. The oval tracks around the field remain one of the most recognizable athletic landscapes in Golden Gate Park.
Polo is now an occasional historical reference rather than the dominant use, but the name has endured.
From the Human Be-In to Outside Lands
The Polo Field was the site of the 1967 Human Be-In, a defining counterculture gathering associated with the era that led into San Francisco’s Summer of Love.
Today the field is best known nationally as a core venue for the annual Outside Lands Music + Arts Festival, along with other civic and sporting events.
Planning Your Visit
This is not a traditional sightseeing attraction with a ticket booth. It is most interesting when paired with an event, a workout, cycling, or a broader west-side Golden Gate Park route.
During festival installation and teardown, paths, fields and surrounding roads may be partially restricted.
Quick Facts About Polo Field & Stadium
- Golden Gate Park’s Polo Field is one of the park’s largest open recreation spaces and one of its most adaptable.
- The Polo Field follows Golden Gate Park hours, currently 5:00 AM to midnight.
- The stadium was inaugurated on July 4, 1906, only months after the earthquake and fire.
- The original design combined a horse track, bicycle track and central athletic grounds intended in part for polo.
- Today the site supports soccer, cycling, running and other organized recreation.
- Polo is now an occasional historical reference rather than the dominant use, but the name has endured.
- The Polo Field was the site of the 1967 Human Be-In, a defining counterculture gathering associated with the era that led into San Francisco’s Summer of Love.
- Today the field is best known nationally as a core venue for the annual Outside Lands Music + Arts Festival, along with other civic and sporting events.
More Golden Gate Park Attractions Nearby
- Golden Gate Park
- Beach Chalet
- Bison Paddock
- Blue Heron Lake & Strawberry Hill
- Conservatory of Flowers
- de Young Museum
For the full park overview, museums, gardens, lakes and route planning, see the Golden Gate Park visitor guide.
See More of Golden Gate Park in One San Francisco Route
Golden Gate Park is three miles long, so smaller attractions are easiest to appreciate when they are connected with the park’s major museums, gardens, lakes and nearby neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polo Field & Stadium
When did the Polo Field open?
The Golden Gate Park Stadium was inaugurated on July 4, 1906.
Why is it called the Polo Field?
The original athletic design included space for polo and equestrian use, although the site has long supported many other sports.
What are the current park hours?
Golden Gate Park currently lists park hours of 5:00 AM to midnight.
Can you cycle around the Polo Field?
Yes. The field has a long cycling tradition and an oval cycling track around the recreation area.
Can you run there?
Yes. Runners regularly use the track and surrounding paths.
Is there soccer?
Yes. The interior field is used for soccer and other field sports.
What famous 1967 event happened here?
The Human Be-In, a major counterculture gathering, took place at the Polo Field in January 1967.
Is Outside Lands held here?
Yes. The Polo Field is a major venue within the annual Outside Lands Music + Arts Festival.
Can events close the area?
Yes. Large events can restrict field, road and path access during setup, operation and teardown.
How long should I spend?
A casual sightseeing stop may take 10 to 20 minutes; athletes and event-goers will spend much longer.
