Governor Hochul Celebrates Major Construction Milestone at Belmont Park

Governor Kathy Hochul today joined The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), AECOM Tishman, Populous and unionized construction workers for a topping out ceremony, marking the placement of the final beam at the new Belmont Park, where New York State and NYRA are engaged in a multi-year redevelopment project to create a world-class racing and entertainment destination in Elmont.

“As we raise the final beam, today marks a major milestone for Belmont Park and New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “This project is more than simply rebuilding a racetrack — it’s creating jobs, boosting our economy and ensuring Belmont remains a world-class destination. This redevelopment means thousands of good-paying union jobs, new opportunities for local businesses and a facility that will attract visitors from around the world.”

Belmont Park will re-open for live racing in September 2026 with the Belmont Stakes, presented by NYRA Bets, set to return to its Long Island home in 2027 following a three-year period where the event was temporarily shifted to Saratoga Race Course. In May, Governor Hochul proudly announced the new Belmont Park as the site of the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the annual year-end mega event last held in New York State in 2005.

The project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.

New York Racing Association President and CEO David O’Rourke said, “Thanks to the leadership and vision of Governor Hochul, who has long recognized the importance of horse racing to New York State’s economy and culture, NYRA is transforming Belmont Park into the sports and entertainment destination that New York deserves. Today’s milestone is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the construction personnel on-site, the NYRA team, and the expertise of our partners at AECOM Tishman and Populous. Because of their work, a new Belmont Park is coming to Long Island in 2026.”

AECOM Tishman New York Region Chief Operating Officer Eric Reid said, “For more than 125 years, AECOM Tishman has led iconic developments that have transformed the way New Yorkers live, work and compete, and the reconstruction of Belmont Park is another exciting chapter in that storied legacy. With support from Governor Hochul and the New York Racing Association, today’s topping out ceremony reinforces our team’s commitment to creating a world-class sports and entertainment destination on Long Island that reflects the state’s position as the international capital of horse racing. With state-of-the-art amenities including a new five-story grandstand and five times more green space, this one-of-a-kind campus will fuel the Empire State’s economic engines and greatly enhance the experience for generations of racing fans, both close to home and around the world.”

Populous Principal and Senior Architect Meg McWilliam said, “It has been an honor working side by side with NYRA, AECOM Tishman, and all our partners to bring this vision to life, and we congratulate the team on this milestone achievement. We’re proud to be part of a project that sets the new standard for racing facilities globally and look forward to welcoming racing back to Belmont next fall.”

Elmont Chamber of Commerce President Julie Marchesella said, “The Elmont Chamber of Commerce is delighted with the progress undertaken by the New York Racing Association. We look forward to the completion of this revitalization project at Belmont Park for everyone to enjoy. This project is an important piece of a long awaited investment in New York horse racing.”

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, “As the Chairman of the State Senate's Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, I welcome this milestone, which is a testament to the collaboration among government, industry, and the local community. We are delivering a world-class venue that will enhance tourism, support good jobs, and generate lasting economic value for years to come. The new Belmont Racetrack is certainly a positive step forward for New York’s thoroughbred industry not only statewide, but nationally and globally.”

Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said, “Today’s topping-off at Belmont is more than a construction milestone, it’s the next stride in a legacy that proves the “Test of the Champion” begins long before race day. It begins with the people who have faith in this community. We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their commitment to this community and for investing the resources to build a brand-new Belmont Park that reflects its proud history. This project is creating local jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the Long Island economy for generations to come.”

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, "I congratulate NYRA and the construction project management team on the completion of this building milestone, the "Topping Off" of New York's newest thoroughbred racing venue. The new Belmont will continue the proud tradition of hosting world-class horse racing, and will provide quality housing and barns in the backstretch. I applaud Governor Hochul's leadership in ensuring that New York remains a leader in this sport which drives significant agricultural and tourism economic activity throughout the state."

Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO President John R. Durso said, “On Long Island, we did not just build a world-class venue. In partnership with Governor Hochul, we built opportunity for working families. The men and women of the union movement have poured their hard work, commitment, and craftsmanship into building something that will stand as a point of pride for all New Yorkers. When leaders commit to good union jobs and responsible development, it ensures that projects like this will strengthen our economy and our communities.”

Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages said, “The redevelopment of Belmont Park represents an exciting investment in Elmont’s future. This project will not only create good union jobs but will also transform Belmont into a world-class destination that brings pride, opportunity, and economic growth to our community.”

Nassau Suffolk Building Trades President Matthew Aracich said, “The Building and Construction Trades Council is proud to stand alongside Governor Hochul and celebrate the near-completion of the new Belmont Park Grandstand. This New Grandstand is the cornerstone of the effort to revive this once historic venue into the world-class racing that became ‘THE’ entertainment destination. This redevelopment project is built on more than a century of heritage that began in 1902 with a vision of showcasing the legends of turf, horses and riders that earned the reputation of being known as one of the world's finest sporting events. The topping-out ceremony highlighted the teamwork performed with key partners involved in the redevelopment, including NYRA, AECOM Tishman, and the dedicated unionized construction workers whose craftsmanship and expertise have driven the project forward. Our workforce created a masterpiece from the vision of architects, and creativity coupled with the talents of our council's skilled mechanics, apprentices, and union contractors.”

In 2023, Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget included a proposal for NYRA to modernize Belmont Park, and the FY24 Enacted Budget granted that approval, providing NYRA with a $455 million loan to build new racing facilities at the historic property in Elmont, N.Y.

Central to the Belmont Park redevelopment is a 300,000-square foot, five-story building featuring the amenities and hospitality offerings sports fans have come to expect. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Populous in conjunction with NYRA, the building will incorporate 21st century technology within a modern design representing a new era for Belmont Park.

As part of the overall redevelopment of Belmont Park, NYRA has expanded its commitment to modernizing the barn area and backstretch by completing the construction of two new dormitories since 2023, with construction on a third scheduled to begin later this fall. In addition to new residential housing at Belmont Park, NYRA has made significant further investments to improve backstretch quality of life by:

• Upgrading the on-site medical clinic
• Installing a modern Blue Light security system
• Upgrading the Recreation Hall and Track Kitchen facilities
• Renovating the on-site Gymnasium
• Implementing new flood mitigation strategies
• Ensuring access to reliable Wi-Fi

By reducing the grandstand’s overall footprint and introducing new pedestrian and vehicular tunnels to the infield, the new Belmont Park will provide fans and the surrounding community with more open and accessible green space than ever before.

When complete, the new Belmont Park will feature four newly constructed racing surfaces: the traditional 1 1/2-mile dirt main track, two turf courses, and a one-mile Tapeta track, which will serve as the exclusive surface for winter racing.

Upon completion of the new grandstand at Belmont in 2026, all racing operations at Aqueduct Racetrack will move to the new Belmont facility and the New York Racing Association will return the property back to the State of New York. In anticipation of Aqueduct's closure, Empire State Development in partnership with the Franchise Oversight Board will lead a planning process with local stakeholders to reimagine over 100 acres at the site in early 2026. Consistent with Governor Hochul's Executive Order 30, ESD shall consider the goal of creating additional housing.

For additional information on the new Belmont Park, please visit NewBelmont.com

About The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)

NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact.

About AECOM Tishman

AECOM Tishman is the construction manager for Belmont Park. One of the world’s leading builders since 1898, AECOM Tishman is deeply experienced managing complex and important projects, having managed the construction of more than 900 million square feet, including iconic buildings such as the Manhattan West, One Vanderbilt, Hudson Yards, and 270 Park Avenue.

About Populous

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus — to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses and amplify the pure emotion shared in human moments. Over the last 40+ years, the firm has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous’ comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hospitality and sustainable design consulting. Populous has over 1,600 employees in 33 global offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane.