PARK LIFE
Inside Belmont Park’s $455m mega revamp with iconic stadium unrecognizable – but famous race forced to be moved
It remains unclear if race track will host Belmont Stakes in 2026
THE New York Racing Association has unveiled its $455 million vision for a revamped Belmont Park.
The NYRA and New York Governor's office have released a set of epic architectural renderings for the ambitious project.
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Under a new timeline, it is hoped that the Belmont Stakes will return to Belmont Park in June 2026 prior to the opening of a new grandstand in September that year.
Among the plans, the giant 1.25 million-square-feet grandstand will be replaced with a roughly 275,000-square-feet building, which will feature modern amenities and hospitality offerings.
The new facility will still seat 50,000 fans, while its layout will change to accommodate flexible seasonal attendance.
The winterized building will be paired with new racing surfaces and a synthetic track to allow thoroughbred racing almost 11 months out of the year.
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Meanwhile, vehicular and pedestrian tunnels will provide access to the 45-acre Belmont infield for the first time.
In addition, there will be upgrades to the medical facility, security system, recreation hall and track kitchen facilities, on-site gymnasium, WiFi and fencing.
Demolition of the current grandstand and clubhouse will begin this month and continue through the summer.
Belmont Park was last given a revamp in the 1960s.
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“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is a critical investment in one of New York’s most historic sporting venues,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement.
“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.”
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The project is expected to generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs, according to NYRA.
Due to the construction work, the 2024 Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course, which is expected to host the Triple Crown race in 2025 as well.
Belmont Park is hoping to stage the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championship, as well as the Belmont Stakes that year.
The race track has been home of the Belmont Stakes since 1905.
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