From ABC7 New York · · 1m 30s
Belmont Park reopens after $555M transformation
Long Island's historic racing venue returns Friday with a modernized grandstand, new tracks, and a smaller footprint that opens up green space.
In brief
Long Island's historic racing venue returns Friday with a modernized grandstand, new tracks, and a smaller footprint that opens up green space. Belmont Park is reopening after three years of construction with a $555 million overhaul that shrinks the building but expands public green space and adds modern amenities…
Belmont Park opens Friday
After more than three years of construction, Belmont Park will reopen to the public Friday with horses on track at 1:30 p.m. The $555 million overhaul transforms the Long Island racing venue into what organizers call a world-class sports and entertainment destination.
New grandstand rises five stories
The redesigned grandstand features modern bars and restaurants across five floors. The facility also includes four new racetracks, replacing the original structure that had been largely quiet during construction.
Building shrinks, green space grows
The new Belmont Park building is 300,000 square feet, down from 1.5 million square feet. This reduction unlocked green space with access to the infield, creating what organizers describe as a beautiful backyard for visitors.
“The building itself has been reduced in size from a million and a half square feet to 300,000 square feet and what that has allowed us to do is unlock green space with access to the infield.”
Historic tree survives the rebuild
A Japanese white pine tree about 200 years old remained untouched during construction. The tree inspired Belmont Park's logo and stands as a connection to the venue's history.
Major races return in 2027
The Belmont Stakes and Breeders' Cup World Championships are scheduled for 2027, when the top three floors of the grandstand are expected to be complete. Work on parts of the project continues beyond the Friday reopening.
The bottom line
Belmont Park is reopening after three years of construction with a $555 million overhaul that shrinks the building but expands public green space and adds modern amenities.
