New York’s Belmont Park racecourse re-opens after renovations

Belmont Park has re-opened following a three-year project to transform the racecourse on Long Island, New York into a world-class sports and entertainment destination.

The unveiling of the new Belmont Park began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where New York State Governor Kathy Hochul joined NYRA officials and guests prior to the first race to unveil the modernized venue. She said:

“It’s an extraordinary time for racing fans from around the globe as we welcome them back to Belmont Park for the first time in three years.

“Here on Long Island, the new Belmont Park is a state-of-the-art, world-class facility with brand new fan amenities and huge expansions in accessible green space.

“And the improvements go far beyond the grandstand, with four brand new racing surfaces that will host not just the return of the Belmont Stakes and the 2027 Breeders’ Cup, but year-round racing for the first time in the history of this iconic track.”

The center of the renovation is a brand-new five-story, 300,000-square-foot grandstand that replaced the old 1968 brick structure.

This modern facility accommodates 7,500 fans in its main seating area and features climate-controlled indoor spaces built to host up to 50,000 spectators for marquee events like the Belmont Stakes.

Security and operations were also modernized with a blue-light emergency network and high-speed Wi-Fi across the grounds, while an advanced irrigation and watering system successfully reduced overall track maintenance times from five hours down to just one.

The 2026 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition – focused on elevating the live experience across the sports and entertainment ecosystem – is being hosted at Everton FC’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 1st and 2nd, with an Opening Night Icebreaker at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium on September 30th.

Track upgrades

The tracks themselves received extensive upgrades, resulting in four distinct surfaces. Alongside the historic 1.5-mile main dirt track and two renovated turf courses, engineers installed a new 1-mile Tapeta synthetic oval designed for safe, all-weather winter racing.

For the first time in the track’s 120-year history, newly built tunnels allow fans direct access into the interior infield.

Backstretch improvements heavily focused on worker amenities and technology, adding a new track kitchen, gym, recreation hall, and upgraded housing for personnel.

NYRA President & CEO David O’Rourke, said:

“Today marked the beginning of an exciting new era for Belmont Park. We thank all the fans who returned to Belmont today to witness history, and we can’t wait for all that is to come at the new Belmont Park.”

An enthusiastic and capacity crowd of 6,000 was on hand as the first race at the new Belmont Park. Jockey Antonio Fresu who won the first race at the newly opened track said:

“It’s an amazing feeling to be part of this historical track and historic reopening of Belmont Park.

“It seems to be doing a tremendous job – the track is fantastic; the grandstand looks fantastic and all the facilities. I’m really happy to be part of it. This is top class.”

Prior to the full completion of floors 3-5, which is expected in Q1 of 2027, Belmont Park operated with a capacity of 6,000 during Opening Weekend (September 18-20) and with 4,000 beginning September 24.

Source and image NYRA

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