Governor Cuomo Announces New Pop-Up Vaccination Site with Incentives for 2022 Belmont Stakes

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new mobile pop-up vaccination site at Belmont Park to coincide with the 2021 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which culminates with the 153rd running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 5. Racing fans who get vaccinated at the site will receive complimentary general admission to the 2022 Belmont Stakes. New York State will partner with Northwell Health and the New York Racing Association, Inc., on the vaccination site. The site will utilize the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The site will operate adjacent to the Clubhouse Entrance of Belmont Park on Friday, June 4 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, June 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"We're using every tool in our arsenal to defeat COVID-19 for good, revitalize our economy and move into the new normal, and vaccinating as many New Yorkers as possible is critical to that strategy for our state's future," Governor Cuomo said. "This pop-up vaccination site that will operate during one of New York's most exciting annual events will encourage even more residents and families to get vaccinated with an exciting incentive--free admission to next year's Belmont Stakes. I encourage all interested New Yorkers to take advantage of this opportunity and do their part to protect themselves, their families and our state."

Later this summer, all fans who show proof of vaccination through ExcelsiorPass - the state's free, fast, and verifiable way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination - on Opening Day at Saratoga Race Course, Thursday, July 15, will receive free grandstand general admission. Fans can also present alternate forms of proof of vaccination, including paper form such as their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, to redeem the free admission.

NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said, "NYRA thanks Governor Cuomo and Northwell Health for the opportunity to help turn the page on the COVID-19 pandemic. We are looking forward to a thrilling weekend of world class thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park, and encourage fans in attendance to get vaccinated, download the Excelsior Pass and enjoy the energy and excitement of the Belmont Stakes."

The Belmont Stakes is a New York tradition inaugurated in 1867 at Jerome Park Racetrack and moved in 1905 to its familiar home at Belmont Park. The final jewel of the Triple Crown series has showcased many of history's greatest thoroughbreds over 152 editions of the American classic. 2021 will mark the return of the Belmont Stakes to its customary spot on the racing calendar following the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.

New York State continues to offer incentives to take the COVID-19 vaccine and establish new pop-up sites in locations convenient to New Yorkers. On May 26, Governor Cuomo announced the 'Get a Shot to Make Your Future' incentive for 12- to 17-year-olds to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Participants can enter into a random prize drawing and potentially receive a full scholarship to a SUNY or CUNY college beginning May 27. Winners receive a full scholarship to any public college or university, including tuition and room and board. New York State will administer the random drawing and select 10 winners a week over five weeks for a total of 50 winners. Federal COVID-19 relief and outreach funds will be used to cover the cost of this vaccination incentive program.