Thursday, October 1, 2026
After three years of construction, Belmont Park is set to welcome horse racing back to Elmont on Friday, Sept. 18. The new facility marks a major shift from the former Belmont Park, featuring a modern grandstand, expanded fan spaces and new dining and hospitality options. The reopening will also include live entertainment, including a performance by country music star Dierks Bentley. Although the project is not yet complete, visitors will get their first look at the new venue during the three-day Return to Racing event from Sept. 18 to 20. Here are three things to know before heading to Belmont Park for opening weekend.
Racing returns to Belmont Park on Friday, Sept. 18, with more than a typical day at the track. Country music performer Dierks Bentley is scheduled to perform as part of the Return to Racing celebration. His performance will also be featured during the “Belmont Park: Return to Racing” broadcast on FOX from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. General admission for Sept. 18 is $50 and includes complimentary food and beverage options and a commemorative program. Opening-day ticket proceeds will benefit the NYRA Foundation, which supports nonprofits, service providers and thoroughbred aftercare groups connected to horse racing in New York.
Visitors will see a transformed Belmont Park, but construction will continue after opening day. The redevelopment’s centerpiece is a new five-story grandstand. For the Sept. 18 reopening, the first two floors will be open, while work continues on floors three through five. Those floors are expected to be finished in the first quarter of 2027. Capacity will also be limited during the venue’s early return. Belmont Park will accommodate up to 6,000 guests during opening weekend, Sept. 18 to 20, before capacity drops to 4,000 beginning Sept. 24 as construction continues.
The new Belmont Park is designed to be more than a place to watch thoroughbred racing. Visitors can try new bars and concession areas, including Big Red’s, Homestretch Market, Silks and the Trackside Lounge. Premium hospitality spaces will include the Turf Club Restaurant and Lounge, The Overlook and The Stretch View. Award-winning chef and Food Network Iron Chef Marc Forgione has been named Belmont Park’s Signature Chef and will oversee menus at several premium locations. Outside the grandstand, guests can explore the backyard, paddock viewing areas and apron. Regular admission will be $10 on Sept. 19 and 20. Beginning Sept. 24, tickets will cost $7 in advance and $10 on the day of the event.
