Belmont Park
Belmont Park, located in Elmont, New York, is one of the most storied horse racing venues in the United States. Opened in 1905, it is best known as the longtime home of the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel of the Triple Crown. Set near the Queens border and now part of a broader entertainment district that includes nearby UBS Arena, Belmont Park remains a major Long Island destination for racing fans, sports visitors, and event-goers.
Because the property has been undergoing major redevelopment, race dates, venue access, seating areas, and visitor amenities may vary by season. If you are planning a trip, it is smart to check current schedules, parking information, and service details before you go.
History
- Opened: 1905, developed by the Westchester Racing Association.
- Name: Belmont Park was named for financier and racing leader August Belmont Jr., one of the track’s original backers.
- Belmont Stakes: The Belmont Stakes, first run in 1867, became closely identified with Belmont Park after the track opened and remains one of American racing’s signature events.
- Historic Moments: Triple Crown champions including Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, American Pharoah, and Justify are part of Belmont Park lore.
- Modern Era: The site continues to evolve through a large-scale redevelopment intended to modernize racing facilities and strengthen Belmont Park’s role as a year-round destination.
Facilities
- Main Track: Known as Big Sandy, Belmont Park’s famed dirt track is 1.5 miles around and is one of the most recognizable racing surfaces in North America.
- Turf Courses: The facility has long been known for multiple turf courses that support major stakes races and a broad thoroughbred schedule.
- Racing Complex: Belmont Park’s historic grandstand defined the venue for decades; today, redevelopment is reshaping the site with updated hospitality, seating, and guest areas.
- UBS Arena: Adjacent to the racetrack, UBS Arena is a major entertainment venue and home of the NHL’s New York Islanders, helping make the area active well beyond race days.
Events
- Belmont Stakes Racing Festival: The signature event associated with Belmont Park, traditionally held in early June, though venue details may occasionally change during major construction or scheduling shifts.
- Racing Season: Belmont’s live racing calendar can vary from year to year depending on the New York racing schedule and redevelopment phases.
- Special Events: The wider Belmont campus and surrounding district may host concerts, sports, and seasonal events that complement racing activity.
Visitor Information
- Location: Belmont Park sits in Elmont along the Nassau–Queens line, making it accessible from both Long Island and New York City.
- Getting There: Visitors commonly arrive by car via the Cross Island Parkway and Hempstead Turnpike. LIRR service may be available for select race days and arena events, but train patterns can change.
- Parking & Access: Parking lots, pedestrian routes, and entry procedures may shift during construction or large events, so checking ahead is recommended.
- Best Time to Visit: Race days offer the classic Belmont Park experience, while arena events and nearby development keep the area active in other seasons as well.
Community Impact
- Belmont Park plays a central role in Elmont’s identity and remains one of the best-known sporting landmarks in the region.
- The venue supports tourism, hospitality, and jobs, while drawing visitors from across Long Island, the New York metro area, and beyond.
- With UBS Arena next door and continued redevelopment on the campus, the area has expanded beyond horse racing into a broader year-round destination.
Q&A – Belmont Park
Q: When was Belmont Park built?
A: Belmont Park opened in 1905 and quickly became one of the country’s premier thoroughbred racetracks.
Q: What makes the Belmont Stakes unique?
A: It is the oldest of the Triple Crown races and has long been known as the “Test of the Champion.” At Belmont Park, it is traditionally associated with the track’s demanding 1.5-mile distance, though race details can change if run at another venue.
Q: Can you visit Belmont Park year-round?
A: The wider area is active throughout the year thanks to UBS Arena and surrounding development, but racing access, tours, and on-site amenities may be limited outside the live meet schedule.
Q: How do you get to Belmont Park?
A: Many visitors drive via the Cross Island Parkway or Hempstead Turnpike. Depending on the event, LIRR service may also be available to stations serving the Belmont and UBS Arena area.
Vicinity of the Race Track
Area Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Elmont, Nassau County, on the Queens border |
| Opened | 1905 |
| Famous For | Longtime home of the Belmont Stakes and major Thoroughbred racing |
| Venue Status | Historic racetrack undergoing major redevelopment; schedules and access may change |
| Facilities | Big Sandy dirt track, turf courses, evolving racing complex, nearby UBS Arena |
| Nearby | Elmont, Floral Park, Queens, and the broader Belmont entertainment district |
Belmont Park is more than a racetrack – it is a historic sporting landmark and a major part of the region’s identity. From Triple Crown drama to the growing entertainment presence around UBS Arena, Belmont Park continues to evolve while preserving its place in the story of Long Island and American horse racing.
