The wait is finally over. After three long years of intensive construction and a massive $455+ million redevelopment project, the legendary Belmont Park in Elmont, NY, is ready to open its gates once again.
On Friday, September 18th—the historic venue is officially launching its highly anticipated Fall Meet, and horse racing in downstate New York is stepping boldly into the 21st century.
This isn’t just a simple facelift; it’s a complete structural evolution. If you haven’t kept up with the construction updates, here are some of the highlights.
For decades, Belmont Park was recognized by its massive, 1.25 million-square-foot grandstand. While historic, it was built for a different time. The new Belmont features a sleek, 5-story, 300,000-square-foot glass-enclosed grandstand.
By downsizing the building’s physical footprint, the project has freed up massive amounts of outdoor space. Fans will enjoy 20 acres of brand-new green space, picnic areas, and a dramatically expanded backyard offering fantastic views of both the track and the paddock.
Best of all, history is preserved—the iconic centuries-old Japanese White Pine still stands tall as the centerpiece of the paddock.
The infrastructure at Belmont has been overhauled to prioritize both performance and equine safety.
The venue now features four distinct racing surfaces: the fully renovated 1.5-mile main dirt track, wo refreshed turf courses and a brand-new, 1-mile all-weather synthetic Tapeta surface designed specifically to allow for safe, year-round winter racing.
Opening weekend is operating as a special sneak-peek event. Because parts of the upper floors are still being finalized for a Spring 2027 completion, capacity is strictly limited to 6,000 guests for the opening three days.
This Fall meet is just a run-up to the massive year ahead. Now that Aqueduct Racetrack has permanently closed, Belmont Park is New York’s premier year-round racing hub.
Looking onward, the Belmont Stakes will return home to Long Island in 2027, and the track will officially host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships next Fall.
