Belmont Park Modernization

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New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a project timeline and updates on the construction of new thoroughbred racing facilities at Belmont Park, the Nassau County home of the Belmont Stakes. The New York Racing Association, which will oversee construction, released a series of architectural renderings to bring the project’s vision to life. Expected to be completed in Q3 of 2026, the multi-year project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs.

RENDERINGS & TIMELINE

“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is a critical investment in one of New York’s most historic sporting venues,” Governor Hochul said. “The new facility will support year-round racing, thousands of new jobs for Long Islanders and provide an enhanced experience for customers attending the iconic Belmont Stakes for generations to come.”

Q: Why is Belmont Park being rebuilt?
A: Belmont Park was last renovated in 1968. As the home of the Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, Belmont Park deserves a modern grandstand alongside the hospitality offerings and amenities fans now expect from sports and entertainment venues.

New York State has provided NYRA with a $455 million loan to finance the reconstruction of Belmont Park, which will be paid back by NYRA in full at no cost to taxpayers. The centerpiece of the re-imagined Belmont Park will be a new building that will completely replace the existing grandstand and clubhouse.

The new Belmont grandstand will dramatically increase the amount of green space available to fans throughout the year by expanding the current Belmont backyard. And because of the newly built vehicular and pedestrian tunnels that allow access to the 45-acre Belmont infield for the first time, the new Belmont Park will provide fans and the surrounding community with more unstructured green space than ever before.

According to an analysis performed by HR&A Advisors, the multi-year project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Upon completion of the project, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new Belmont Park will generate $155 million in annual economic output, support 740 new full-time jobs, and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.

Q: When will construction begin and how long will it take?
A: Demolition of the former building is underway. The project is estimated to be complete by the third quarter of 2026.

To learn more, view the project timeline here.

Q: Where is racing taking place in the meantime?
A: The Belmont spring/summer and fall meets are being run at Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, Queens, NY. The 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be held at Saratoga Race Course to allow for uninterrupted construction at Belmont.

Q: When will racing return to Belmont Park?
A: NYRA has developed a project plan that will allow for the Belmont Stakes to return to Belmont Park in June 2026 prior to the full opening of the new building.

Q: Will the new Belmont Park be able to host the Breeders’ Cup?
A: The Breeders’ Cup announced its commitment to add Belmont to the rotation of host venues following NYRA’s modernization of the facility. Despite the prominent role played in the year-end championships by New York based trainers, jockeys, and owners, the Breeders’ Cup has not been held at Belmont since 2005 due to the facility’s aging infrastructure and lack of winterized hospitality options.

Q: Are the Japanese White Pine, Secretariat statue, and other historical relics being preserved?
A: The centuries-old Japanese White Pine that has elevated the paddock experience for generations of fans, and provides the inspiration for the current Belmont Park logo, will be surveyed and protected to the greatest extent possible throughout the demolition and construction phases.

John Skeaping’s bronze statue of Secretariat, also a central feature of the paddock, has been transported to Saratoga Race Course where it will be placed in a public area adjacent to the Walk of Fame through the duration of the project downstate.

In addition, Belmont’s extensive collection of racing artwork and murals are being preserved. NYRA has safely set aside some of Belmont’s best-known artifacts such as the wrought-iron gates of the late, great Jerome Park, as well as the wrought-iron fencing from the clubhouse entrance and the paddock featuring the colors of each of the 13 Triple Crown winners. These relics have been safely removed and will be stored for future use.

Q: Are there any artifacts being sold or given away like seats, turnstiles, or dirt?
A: Prior to the commencement of demolition, NYRA opened an online sale of select items from Belmont Park. That sales opportunity has ended.

Q: Why doesn’t the new building match the brick design of the former structure and UBS Arena?
A: The modern design for the new Belmont Park marks an intentional departure from the current Belmont style. The new design will introduce greater transparency and reduce the scale of the building to be properly sized for changing needs and trends. 

In the structure itself, over 275,000 square feet of infrastructure will seat approximately 7,500 guests and feature a variety of club and dining spaces, food and beverage outlets, private suites and indoor/outdoor experiences. There will be additional capacity in the ground-level to support back yard general admissions and temporary overlay facilities that can be used to support more than 50,000 fans for big events.

The new building is five levels above ground with an outdoor terrace at the top level, providing sweeping views of the site under the graceful canopy that tops the building. From food and beverage outlets for general admission attendees to a variety of club and dining spaces, event spaces and private suites, the design team was intentional about creating a building that can fulfill a wide range of needs.

Q: Are there changes being made to the racing surfaces, as well?
A: All three existing racing surfaces are being completely renovated and modernized. In addition, NYRA is installing a new one-mile synthetic track, which will become the fourth track utilized for both training and racing.

Q: Can I visit Belmont Park right now?
A: Belmont Park is closed to the public until the facility re-opens in 2026.