Renovations at Belmont Park in Elmont are progressing steadily, as the historic horse racing venue undergoes a $455 million transformation. The project aims to modernize the storied facility, upgrading its infrastructure and amenities to meet contemporary standards while preserving its rich legacy in the racing world.
Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul joined the New York Racing Association, major construction and architecture firms involved in the project and unionized construction workers for a “topping out ceremony” — marking the placement of the final beam at the new Belmont Park.
Hochul called the moment “a major milestone for Belmont Park and New York state.”
“This project is more than simply rebuilding a racetrack — it’s creating jobs, boosting our economy and ensuring Belmont remains a world-class destination,” she said at the Oct. 15 ceremony. “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.”
Over the last two years, the old grandstand at Belmont Park was demolished. The new facility will boast a 275,000-square-foot building with 7,500 seats. The overall facility will be able to accommodate over 50,000 fans.
The iconic Belmont Stakes — the final leg on the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the U.S. — has been run at Saratoga Race Course in upstate-New York while Belmont Park undergoes renovations. The new facility is set to reopen in 2026 as a world-class racing and entertainment destination.
The state partnered with AECOM Tishman, a major real estate developer in the U.S., and Populous, a global architectural design form, to re-imagine Belmont Park.
David O’Rourke, president and chief executive of the New York Racing Association, thanked Hochul recognizing “the importance of horse racing to New York state’s economy and culture.”
“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,” O’Rourke said in a press release.
The new Belmont Park project is expected to generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impacts. Union labor has been used for nearly 3,700 construction-related jobs. When the park reopens in 2026, the facility is expected to generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue.
John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, spoke highly of the project’s commitment to supporting union labor.
“On Long Island, we did not just build a world-class venue — we built opportunity for working families,” he said. “When leaders commit to good union jobs and responsible development, it ensures that projects like this will strengthen our economy and our communities.”
The overall footprint of the grandstand is reduced in size, allowing for new pedestrian and vehicle tunnels. The new Belmont Park will provide fans and the surrounding community with more open and accessible green space, according to a state press release.
Local businesses are looking forward to the completion of the project. Julie Marchesella, president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, said it was delighted to see 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,” Marchesella said. “This project is an important piece of a long-awaited investment in New York horse racing.”
Elected officials who represent the Elmont community expressed their ongoing support of the project
“The redevelopment of Belmont Park represents an exciting investment in Elmont’s future,” Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages said. “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.”
His sister, State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, offered similar sentiments.
“We are grateful to Gov. Hochul and the (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,” she said. “This project is creating local jobs, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the Long Island economy for generations to come.”
With more work expected over the next year, community members can learn more about the project and its progress at NewBelmont.com.
