Demolition Begins Ahead of Belmont Park's Major Renovation

Demolition is underway ahead of a major renovation of the historic, Belmont Park horse racing track; located in Elmont, New York (Long Island).

Famously home to the Belmont Stakes for the last 155 years, the track first opened in 1905 and was later renovated in 1968, with the addition of a 1.25 million square foot grandstand building. Led by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), this latest project will completely replace the old grandstand with a brand new, 5-story structure, featuring 7,500 seats, and the capability to support up to 50,000 guests for special events.

Designed by Populous, the state-of-the-art grandstand building will total 275,000 square feet. It will contain various food and beverage outlets, several clubs and private suites, and multiple dining spaces. The facility will also be able to support non-racing events, such as community gatherings and weddings.

Other areas of the property that are slated for updates include the on-site medical facility, recreation hall, track kitchen, and gymnasium. Plans further call for the construction of three new dormitories on the backstretch, and two new tunnels, which will provide access to the track's infield. The venue will also receive new fencing, a new Blue Light security system, and additional flood mitigation measures.

Due to how extensive this project is, the Belmont Stakes, for the first time in its history, will move to Saratoga Race Course for 2024 and 2025. The new and improved Belmont Park will re-open for the 2026 racing season and is expected to generate $155 million in annual economic output.

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