Dates: September 18–December 6, 2026

Racing is back at the brand-new Belmont Park this fall. Whether you are coming to see your horse run, experiencing the reimagined venue for the first time, or making a Long Island/New York City weekend of it, this quick guide covers the essentials: race-day coordination, transportation, dining, hotels, and nearby activities.

Track address: 2150 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, NY 11003.

Key Dates

• September 18: Opening Day and Jockey Club Gold Cup.
• September 19–20: Return to Racing Weekend.
• September 26: Major opening-month Saturday.
• October 3: Major fall Saturday.
• October 24: Empire Showcase Day.
• October 31: Major fall Saturday.
• December 6: Closing Day of the fall meet

Part 1: Partner Race Day Operations

If you are planning to attend—or receive notice that your horse is entered—please contact Danielle Austin as early as possible so the team can coordinate your race-day plans.

Ticketing Logistics

Important: Advance Tickets and Parking Required

Belmont Park’s new operating procedures require advance reservations for both admission and parking—even for NYRA-licensed owners and racing participants.

A valid NYRA Owner ID will not automatically provide track admission or parking access. Admission and parking remain complimentary for eligible NYRA ID holders, but you must have a redeemable ticket reserved in advance for each. This applies whether or not you have a horse racing that day.

If you wish to attend but do not have a horse running, you may request GA tickets and parking passes via this link.

For Partners with a horse entered, all ticket and hospitality requests must be submitted within 72 hours of final entries. Requests received after the deadline may be accommodated if space is available, but cannot be guaranteed. Digital tickets will be delivered by text message. Please do not contact horsemen’s relations directly if you are requesting tickets for your horse.

Race Day	Final Entries	Request Deadline
Thursday	Prior Friday	Monday of race week
Friday	Prior Saturday	Tuesday of race week
Saturday	Prior Sunday	Wednesday of race week
Sunday	Prior Wednesday	Thursday of race week

Parking for Owners

Owners with an entered horse will park in the Silver C Lot. Owners without a runner that day will generally park in Silver A/B, subject to availability and track operations. Once Silver A/B is full, parking will move to the Emerald Lot, accessible via Exit 26D off the Cross Island Parkway, with complimentary shuttles to and from Belmont.

Race Day Meet-Up

Paddock meeting area: WPT Partners will gather to head into the paddock close to the East Entrance of the racetrack. From there, the WPT rep will guide the group through the horsemen’s lounge, located next to the paddock. Please be sure to stick with the group, as you will have to technically exit the track to enter the horsemen’s lounge!

Race viewing area: Stay with the WPT group as you exit the paddock, heading straight through the chute as the horses leave for the track. There is an owners’ viewing area on the rail, which also provides easy access to the winners circle.

Looking to elevate your race-day experience? Partners may purchase additional reserved seating, dining, or premium hospitality directly through the Belmont Park ticket website. Options include Grandstand Seating with food-and-beverage credit, Turf Club Restaurant dining, The Overlook lounge, group hospitality in The Stretch View, and private Champion Suites. These areas are located throughout the first two floors of the facility, with floors 3-5 scheduled to open in early 2027.

A note on grandstand seating: During the 2026 fall meet, single-day Grandstand Seating tickets will be offered September 19-20; September 26; and October 3, 24, and 31. All other race days during the 2026 fall meet, Grandstand Seating will be freely accessible to general admission guests.

A note on General Admission: Beginning September 24, single-day GA is just $7 when purchased in advance or $10 at the gate. GA grants access to grandstand seats on most days (see exclusions above), plus access to the first floor of the building and outdoor areas including the backyard, paddock viewing areas and apron. 

 

Part 2: Getting There

Travel Flexibility: Racing plans can change, so West Point recommends booking refundable or flexible airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation whenever possible. This provides the greatest flexibility should your horse’s race schedule or travel plans shift. 

LIRR

For partners staying in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or elsewhere on Long Island, the most dependable option is the Long Island Rail Road to Elmont–UBS Arena Station. Service is available from Grand Central, Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal, and Long Island branches; off-peak trips may require a Jamaica transfer. Complimentary shuttles connect the station with Belmont Park entry gates, otherwise it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the west entry gate. Use the MTA TrainTime app for schedules and ticketing.

Driving and Rideshare

Driving: Pre-book parking whenever possible. Public fall-meet parking is offered in the Silver A/B, Gold, and Emerald lots, while racing participants should follow their Racing Relations assignment.

Rideshare: The designated West End Rideshare pickup and drop-off location is on Green Road in Floral Park. This is the best location to use rather than setting a pickup directly at the grandstand.

Airport Logistics

Flying in? For the most efficient Belmont Park trip, book JFK whenever possible. It is the closest major airport and offers the easiest access to Belmont by pre-arranged car service; travelers using public transit can take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station and connect via the LIRR to Elmont–UBS Arena Station. Complimentary shuttles operate between that station and Belmont’s entrances.

LaGuardia is also a convenient option for domestic travelers, particularly those staying in Queens or Garden City, but plan on a car service or rideshare—the airport does not have a direct rail connection to Belmont.

Newark can work well for a Manhattan-centered visit, but it is the least convenient airport for a track-focused itinerary due to its distance from Belmont and the need to cross New York City.

 

Part 3: Where to Stay

• The Garden City Hotel: The polished choice for a celebratory owner weekend, group dinner, or a quieter stay with strong dining nearby.
• Hyatt Place Garden City / Hampton Inn Garden City: Straightforward, dependable options for partners seeking convenient Long Island accommodations without a resort-style rate.
  • HAMPTON INN HORSEMEN’S DISCOUNT CODE: 0560078956
• Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World: A practical choice for early departures, late arrivals, or a short racing trip centered on flight convenience.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Long Island Garden City: A strong option for Partners staying several nights or traveling with family, with suite-style rooms that include kitchens and a Garden City location near Roosevelt Field dining and shopping.marriott+1
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott Carle Place Garden City: A practical, value-conscious choice with larger suite-style rooms, complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a fitness center.
• Manhattan: Best for partners adding Broadway, museums, or business meetings. Plan extra time for LIRR connections or car service on race days.

Booking note: Opening Weekend, Empire Showcase Day, and weekends with UBS Arena events may tighten hotel inventory and increase rates. Reserve early and check the UBS Arena calendar before finalizing travel.

 

Part 4: Local Dining

A few easy recommendations for Partners visiting Belmont:

• Hundredfold Brasserie, Belmont Park Village: The closest polished option to the track—an American brasserie in Belmont Park Village that works well for a pre-race meal or a post-race toast.
• Post & Union, Floral Park: An upscale American restaurant just minutes from Belmont, with a comfortable setting for a group dinner or a more relaxed owner gathering.
• King Umberto, Elmont: A longtime local Italian favorite and a solid choice for a casual, crowd-pleasing group meal near the track.
• Novita Wine Bar Trattoria, Garden City: A livelier Italian/wine-bar option for Partners staying at The Garden City Hotel or building a dinner into a longer Long Island weekend.
• Sparrow Kitchen & Cocktails, Garden City: A more elevated American restaurant and cocktail destination for a celebratory dinner.
• Steve’s Piccola Bussola, Westbury: Family style, traditional, hearty Italian.

Browse OpenTable for a comprehensive list of dining options – reservations are strongly recommended, particularly around key race dates!

 

Part 5: Around Belmont

Belmont Park Village

Located next door, Belmont Park Village is an easy add-on for shopping, coffee, or a casual afternoon before or after the races. The Village offers a complimentary shuttle connection to Elmont–UBS Arena Station and complimentary garage parking for visitors.

Nearby Ideas

• Garden City: A strong choice for an owner dinner, relaxed breakfast, or a quieter alternative to Manhattan.
• Flushing and Queens: Worth the short car-service ride for excellent group dining, especially before an evening back in Manhattan.
• Manhattan: Ideal for a full New York weekend—Broadway, museums, Central Park, and world-class dining are all within reach via LIRR.
• UBS Arena: Check its event schedule before making plans; concerts and games can affect local traffic, rideshare pricing, and nearby hotel availability.

Plan Your Trip

The new Belmont Park will operate differently from the old facility, particularly during its first fall meet. If you are planning to visit, let the West Point team know early so we can help coordinate access, parking, race-day details, and opportunities to connect at the track.

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