Belmont Park

Belmont Park, located in Elmont, New York, is one of the most storied horse racing sites in the United States. Opened in 1905, it has long been associated with 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 history, sports visitors, and large-scale events.

The property has been undergoing major redevelopment, so racing schedules, venue access, seating areas, and visitor amenities may vary by season. If you are planning a trip, it is wise to check current event 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, even when temporary venue arrangements are needed during construction periods.
• 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: Belmont Park is historically known for its famed dirt main track, Big Sandy, a 1.5-mile oval that became 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 grandstand defined the venue for generations; 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 keep 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 shift during major construction or scheduling changes.
• Racing Season: Belmont’s live racing calendar can vary from year to year depending on the New York racing schedule, and some racing dates may be assigned to other NYRA tracks while redevelopment continues.
• 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, arena events, or nearby stations serving the district, but train patterns can change.
• Parking & Access: Parking lots, pedestrian routes, security procedures, and entry points may shift during construction or large events, so checking ahead is recommended.
• Best Time to Visit: Major racing weekends generate the most traditional Belmont Park atmosphere, while concerts, hockey, and nearby development keep the area active at other times of year.

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.

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Belmont Park Race Track

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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 main track legacy, turf courses, an evolving racing complex, and 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.