Belmont Park racetrack reopens on Long Island with $450 million in upgrades
And they're off.
Racing returned to Belmont Park Friday afternoon, more than three years after the iconic Long Island track was shut down for renovations. The redevelopment cost $450 million.
The 1.25-million-square-foot grandstand has been replaced by a five-story facility full of modernized infrastructure. It also features four racing surfaces and a larger paddock.
The infield is now open to the public for the first time in Belmont history.
Gov. Kathy Hochul was on hand Friday to cut the ribbon and officially mark the grand reopening. She called the new facility futuristic.
"Fans will experience racing like never before. A gleaming five-story grandstand and terrace ... that will allow racing through the winter," Hochul said.
Hochul said the state "made a big bet on Belmont" with a $450 million loan that will be paid back. She's betting the sport of kings will boost the economy with new jobs and provide a new destination for family fun.
"This grandstand was designed to celebrate the magic of openness and transparency, letting in natural light to flood every corner of this facility," New York Racing Association President Marc Holliday said. "Bringing fans, jockeys and these incredible equine athletes together, closer than ever before."
"This is a big thing for Elmont. I've lived here my whole life. It was an older track, and now it's brand new, and it's going to bring a lot of money to the community," one resident said.
Due to the ongoing construction and current facility restraints, Belmont Park will only operate with a capacity of 6,000 during opening weekend and 4,000 after that. The capacity will increase as additional portions of the building reopen.
CEO Matt Chmura said the grandstand will be fully open by spring and more than 50,000 fans will be expected to attend the Belmont Stakes.
A 200-year-old Japanese white pine tree at the park was protected throughout the construction.
The new facilities offer something for everyone, he said.
"The concessions are outstanding for people who just want to come experience racing for the first time or for people who are diehard race fans, and as you work your way up through the building, there are different hospitality spaces that really serve everybody," he said.
The bars and restaurants on the first floor will be fully accessible with general admission, while the ones on the second floor will require a reservation in advance.
The top three floors of the venue are still under construction and are expected to open next year.
With all of the options, some say it's more than just a racetrack.
"It's a public space where people can go, and congregate, have picnics, have fun. So it's not just about racing," state Sen. Michaelle Solages said.
Friday's opening card features nine races, including the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup. Country music star Dierks Bentley is also performing at the track.
While general admission is just $10, the tickets for Friday are already sold out. But there are still tickets available for Saturday and Sunday.
The reopening couldn't come at a better time. It follows the historic final closure of Aqueduct Racetrack last month.
Amid the excitement, some fans wonder if the shiny rebuild will fill seats.
"They built it for an industry that's been in a slow death spiral for a long time," one person said.
"Let me know when we get 70,000 people here," said another.
"To have the Islanders here, world class hockey, world class racing, world class shopping across the street - we're good," NYRA board member Michael Dubb said.
The fall meet runs through Dec. 6. Tickets for the Belmont Stakes in June go on sale at noon Saturday.
