ELMONT, N.Y. – Belmont Park will welcome the public again on Friday, marking the end of a three‑year, $555 million redevelopment that transformed the historic horse‑racing venue.
Final preparations underway
Crews spent Thursday power‑washing the entrance, watering the track and completing final touches ahead of the reopening. According to the New York Racing Association, horses are slated to be on the track at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.
Star‑studded opening day
Pat McKenna, vice president of communications for NYRA, announced that the world‑renowned thoroughbred Forever Young, imported from Japan, will make its debut on the newly surfaced track. The opening festivities will also feature a live performance by country music star Dierks Bentley.
“We have what many consider the best horse in the world, and we’re thrilled to bring that excitement to our fans,” McKenna said.
What’s new at Belmont Park
The revamped grandstand rises five stories and houses modern bars, restaurants and a variety of entertainment spaces. Four new racetracks have been added, expanding the venue’s capacity for both racing and non‑racing events.
One cherished element survived the overhaul: a 200‑year‑old Japanese white pine that inspired the park’s logo remains standing, a living reminder of the site’s heritage.
Smaller footprint, greener surroundings
While the new building is smaller – reduced from roughly 1.5 million square feet to 300,000 square feet – the redesign unlocked valuable green space and improved in‑field access for visitors.
“The reduced footprint allowed us to create more open areas and a beautiful backyard for families and fans,” McKenna added.
Future events
Belmont Park is already slated to host two marquee events in 2027: the Belmont Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Floors three through five of the grandstand are expected to be completed by then, further enhancing the venue’s capabilities.
“There’s something for everyone – racing fans, sports enthusiasts, or anyone looking to spend an afternoon in a beautiful setting,” McKenna said.
Community impact
The reopening is expected to boost local employment and bring increased tourism to Elmont and the surrounding Long Island area. Nearby businesses anticipate higher foot traffic as fans and visitors flock to the revamped destination.
Local officials have praised the project for revitalizing a historic landmark while preserving its iconic elements.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
