A New Era for Belmont Park: Governor Hochul Cuts the Ribbon to Reopen Iconic Race Course Following Three-Year Reconstruction

Governor Kathy Hochul today cut the ribbon of the new Belmont Park as it welcomes racing fans for the first time since its closure for reconstruction in 2023. Following a $555 million reconstruction project, the new Belmont Park is a world-class sports and entertainment destination, anchored by a brand new five-story grandstand and newly accessible green space.

“It’s an extraordinary time for racing fans from around the globe as we welcome them back to Belmont Park for the first time in three years,” Governor Hochul said. “Here on Long Island, the new Belmont Park is a state-of-the-art, world-class facility with brand new fan amenities and huge expansions in accessible green space. And the improvements go far beyond the grandstand, with four brand new racing surfaces that will host not just the return of the Belmont Stakes and the 2027 Breeders’ Cup, but year-round racing for the first time in the history of this iconic track. When the gates open and the starting bell sounds later today, Long Island will officially boast the newest and best racing destination in the world.”

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has also modernized the racing and training facilities at Belmont Park by constructing four new racetracks, including the traditional 1 1/2-mile dirt track, two turf courses and a one-mile Tapeta oval; these new tracks will allow for year-round racing at Belmont Park for the first time ever. The reconstruction of Belmont Park was made possible by a $455 million state loan secured by Governor Hochul in the FY24 Enacted State Budget, and construction created over $1 billion in economic impacts and 3,700 union jobs. The return of racing to Belmont Park will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.

When fully complete, the new Belmont Park will ultimately have a capacity of at least 50,000 spectators for the Belmont Stakes and major racing events, matching the capacity of the historic Saratoga Race Course. The centerpiece of the reconstructed Belmont Park is its new five-story, approximately 300,000-square-foot grandstand and clubhouse, designed by renowned architectural firm Populous in conjunction with NYRA. This new facility features industry-leading amenities and a world-class fan experience. The reconstructed grandstand and access to the infield via pedestrian tunnels will enable the creation of nearly five times more green space for fans and the local community.

The much-anticipated return to racing at Belmont Park today features a sold-out crowd of 6,000 spectators. New bars and restaurants are open at the track, including Big Red's, Homestretch Market, Silks and the Trackside Lounge, along with premium dining and hospitality areas including the Turf Club Restaurant and Lounge, The Overlook, and The Stretch View. Over the coming months, NYRA will complete the fitting out of the third through fifth floors of the new grandstand, which are expected to fully open in Q1 of 2027. Grandstand capacity will increase to approximately 10,000 when all interior floors are complete.

The new Belmont Park will host the return of the Belmont Stakes, presented by NYRA Bets, to its historic Long Island home in 2027 following a three-year period where the event was temporarily hosted at the Saratoga Race Course. In addition, last May, Governor Hochul proudly announced the new Belmont Park as the site of the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, returning the annual year-end mega event to New York State for the first time since 2005.

Racing has continued to serve as a critical driver of economic activity in New York State. Horse racing in New York State generates an estimated $3 billion in annual economic impact and supports nearly 20,000 jobs. This summer’s Saratoga season saw total attendance eclipse 1 million for the 11th consecutive year. In addition, the Saratoga wagering handle exceeded $900 million for only the second time in history. Through the state’s investments in the new Belmont Park, New York now boasts the oldest continuously-operated athletic venue in the nation at the historic Saratoga Race Course, opened in 1863, and the first new major racing venue built in the nation in over four decades.

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 a third scheduled for completion 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

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “ESD is proud of its role in transforming Belmont Park into a modern, world-class destination worthy of its storied past and the future of racing in New York. This historic redevelopment builds on the state’s investment to modernize the facility, enhance the experience for fans and the backstretch community, and strengthen a legacy industry that generates billions in economic activity and supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide. With the Belmont Stakes returning, the Breeders’ Cup coming back to New York for the first time in a generation, and UBS Arena already anchoring ESD’s broader redevelopment of the Belmont campus, the new Belmont Park will attract more visitors, support businesses and workers, and deliver lasting economic benefits for Long Island and communities across New York State.”

New York Racing Association President and CEO David O’Rourke said, “Today marks the beginning of a new era for Belmont Park, which was made possible because of the leadership and vision of Governor Hochul. Horse racing is a powerful engine for New York’s economy that supports hundreds of small businesses and is responsible for thousands of jobs. The New York Racing Association is proud to partner with the Governor in unveiling this modern, new venue which will serve as an important cornerstone for our sport, drive tourism and play an exciting role in sports and entertainment here on Long Island.”

New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said, “Governor Hochul has fostered the most significant development in New York Thoroughbred racing in decades, and has set the stage for the next era of horse racing in New York State. Beyond the world-class amenities, the new Belmont Park is focused on equine safety. And significantly, Governor Hochul is taking care of the people who take care of the horses by ensuring millions of dollars in backstretch community improvements are part of the overall project. The new Belmont Park is an exciting part of New York’s culture, and we look forward to the races.”

New York State Franchise Oversight Board Chair Robert Williams said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and commitment to the sport of Thoroughbred racing, New York now has a world-class racing facility that further establishes the state as a horse racing destination. There truly is something for everyone. Patrons will enjoy the new facility, state-of-the-art video and other amenities. Horsepersons can race and train on four new track surfaces. The backstretch community is seeing significant investment into quality of life improvements. And horses will absolutely benefit from the study to improve detection of Thoroughbred injuries at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists across the street. Belmont Park is poised to showcase the very best of thoroughbred racing on the international stage.”

State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “Belmont Park has long been an important part of the economic and cultural fabric of our region, and its reopening marks an important new chapter for this historic institution. This investment has already supported thousands of good-paying union construction jobs and will continue to generate economic activity, strengthen local businesses and bring visitors from across the country and around the world to our communities. I commend Governor Hochul, NYRA, organized labor and everyone who helped bring this project to completion. I look forward to seeing the new Belmont Park serve as a year-round destination while building on New York’s longstanding tradition of thoroughbred racing for generations to come.”

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, “The modernized Belmont Park facility is a major investment in New York’s future, with opportunities for jobs, tourism, and local business partnerships, while strengthening our state in the racing and entertainment industry. As Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I am proud and thankful to have played a role in a project that will benefit racing fans, horse owners, trainers, breeders, backstretch workers and the surrounding communities for generations to come. I appreciate the efforts of Governor Hochul and NYRA for bringing us to the beginning of a new era in racing for New York. The state-of-the-art, efficient Belmont Park will help preserve the racing tradition and increase equine safety, while offering unique opportunities for the future.”

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, “I am thrilled to have been a part of this chapter in New York Thoroughbred horseracing. It was exciting for the Saratoga Race Course to have hosted the Belmont Stakes for the past three years while construction of Belmont Park was underway. However, now, it’s more exciting that New York will have both the oldest Thoroughbred racetrack in the country and the newest. Altogether in one state, horse racing fans will enjoy the benefits of a modern, world-class sports facility at Belmont as well as the historic, Victorian era race course at Saratoga. I am grateful for the Governor’s investment in this cultural and economically impactful New York State tradition.”

Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages said, “Belmont Park is an iconic part of Elmont’s identity, and its transformation marks an exciting new chapter for our community and for New York. The brand new grandstand as well as the rebuilt main track will ensure that this world-class destination continues to strengthen our local economy. I thank Governor Hochul, NYRA and all of our partners for investing in Elmont and bringing this remarkable project to life.”

Assemblymember J. Gary Pretlow said, “The opening of the new Belmont Park marks an exciting new chapter for horse racing in New York and represents a significant investment in the future of this historic industry. This world-class facility will strengthen New York’s position as a premier destination for thoroughbred racing while supporting jobs, tourism, and economic activity throughout the region. As Chair of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and someone who has worked for many years on issues affecting New York’s racing industry, I am proud to celebrate this important milestone alongside Governor Hochul and all those who helped make this vision a reality.”

Village of Floral Park Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald said, “The Village of Floral Park and its residents are thrilled to welcome Belmont Park back and look forward to the opportunities that its reopening will bring to our community. The new facility and year-round racing will undoubtedly generate additional economic activity throughout the area, including increased business for the many restaurants and local businesses that Floral Park and the surrounding communities have to offer. We would also like to thank NYRA and its management team for continuing the century-old tradition of being a great neighbor to Floral Park, particularly throughout the past several years during the extensive renovations at Belmont Park.”

Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties President Matthew Aracich said, “The reopening of Belmont Park marks an important milestone for Long Island, celebrating not only the return of world-class racing and entertainment, but also the thousands of union workers whose skilled labor helped bring this transformational project to life. Belmont Park is a powerful example of what happens when New York invests in its future and invests in working people. We applaud the successes of Governor Kathy Hochul as we cut the ribbon on the new Belmont Park following a $555 million reconstruction project that created more than 3,700 union jobs and generated more than $1 billion in economic impact during construction. This reopening represents more than a new sports and entertainment destination, it is a reminder that major public and private investments can create family-supporting union careers, strengthen local economies and deliver lasting infrastructure for generations to come.”

Long Island Federation of Labor AFL-CIO President John Durso said, “Governor Hochul understood that rebuilding Belmont Park was about more than constructing a new grandstand. It was about investing in Long Island’s future, creating good union jobs, and delivering a world class destination that will benefit our region for generations to come. The men and women of the building trades put their skill, pride, and hard work into every part of this project, and they delivered something Long Islanders can be proud of. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and vision, and we thank the thousands of union workers who turned that vision into reality. This is what happens when we invest in our communities and put Long Islanders to work.”

President of the Long Island Hospitality Association Dorothy Roberts said, “The reopening of Belmont Park is a monumental win for Long Island, particularly for our regional hospitality and tourism industry. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a major economic engine, attracting visitors from around the world, driving local revenue and showcasing the very best of what our community has to offer.”

Association for a Better Long Island Executive Director Kyle Strober said, "Belmont Park’s return puts Long Island’s economy in the winner’s circle. It has the power to harness hundreds of millions of dollars for our local businesses, boosting regional tourism, and creating long-term sustainable economic growth. Governor Kathy Hochul needs acknowledgment as the dynamic and positive force behind its return because, whether or not you are a fan of the thoroughbreds, Belmont’s role is a proven blue ribbon winner for the region."

Long Island Association Acting President and CEO Stacey Sikes said, “The Long Island Association congratulates Governor Hochul on the highly anticipated reopening of Belmont Park and recognizes the team at NYRA for bringing this project to life. The LIA was proud to advocate for the state’s investment in Belmont, and thanks to the hard work of union labor, Long Island has another world-class destination that will bring visitors to our region, support local businesses, and generate significant economic activity for years to come. Just as importantly, Belmont will continue to be a special place for Long Islanders to spend time together and enjoy globally recognized racing events.”

Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages said, “Belmont Park has once again become the crown jewel of the racing world thanks to its state-of-the-art racetrack and the exciting racing village that creates so many opportunities to enjoy local community culture, cuisine and local businesses. By creating a world-class, state-of-the-art facility, New York State has created thousands of good union jobs, strengthened our local economy, and welcomed new opportunities — all while honoring Belmont's historic legacy. I proudly wrote in support of Belmont's inclusion in the low-interest loan program that made the Belmont Park revitalization possible, and I thank Governor Hochul, our state partners, and all of the stakeholders for fulfilling their commitment to the future of Belmont Park and our region."

AECOM Tishman New York Region Chief Operating Officer Eric Reid said, “The stunning transformation of the New Belmont Park reinforces New York’s role as the international capital of horse racing, and we are honored to have played a role in restoring the facility’s glory and reimagining its future for generations to come. From the redevelopment of the World Trade Center to the rise of Hudson Yards, AECOM Tishman has led some of the world’s most iconic projects, and thanks to the support of Governor Hochul, the New York Racing Association and our labor partners, our team has delivered a world-class sports and entertainment destination that will fuel the Empire State’s economic engines, support local businesses and establish a new exciting era for horse racing in New York and beyond.”

Populous Principal and Senior Architect Meg McWilliam said, “Belmont Park is a place with extraordinary history, and the design builds on that legacy while reimagining the experience for the next generation. The new grandstand brings fans closer to the energy and excitement of racing, while creating a more welcoming, connected destination that can come alive well beyond race days.”

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 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.