Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the 2025 Belmont Stakes be run at Saratoga?
A: Yes, the running of the 2025 Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new and re-imagined Belmont Park. The Belmont Stakes will be contested at 1 1/4 miles rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of Saratoga’s main track.

Q: When is the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival?
A: The 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival takes place Wednesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 8.

Q: When is the Belmont Stakes?
A: Belmont Stakes Day is Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Q: Will the same items permitted at the Saratoga summer meet be allowed during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival?
A: While the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is temporarily relocated to Saratoga, the on-track policies will reflect many protocols ordinarily in place at Belmont Park. Accordingly, alcoholic beverages will not be permitted to be carried into the venue.

Folding chairs (one per guest), outside food, and soft drinks will be permitted. Coolers must be no larger than 12" x 18"; limit one per guest.

For more information, visit our Security page.

Q: Will there be backstretch tours or walking tours during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival?
A: No, backstretch tram tours and frontside walking tours will not take place during the five-day event and will resume during the Saratoga summer meet.

Q: What should I wear?
A: The Belmont Stakes is a rare opportunity to pull out all the stops fashion-wise. Lean into your personal style and have fun with it!

A day at the races is a uniquely interactive experience, so be prepared to spend time on your feet.

For style tips and inspiration, visit our What To Wear page.

Q: When do admission gates open?
A: Gate open times will be announced at a later date.

Q: Is there early morning access to watch morning training?
A: Early morning access policies will be announced at a later date.

Q: I have an admission ticket. When can I claim a backyard picnic table?
A: Backyard picnic tables will be available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.

Q: Can I leave the gates and come back in later on Belmont Stakes Day?
A: No - once gates open, there is no re-entry on Belmont Stakes Day.

Q: Will cash be accepted for payment at the Racing Festival?
A: The 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will not be accepting cash for the majority of purchases, including food and beverage service, admissions, and parking. Credit and debit cards will be accepted for purchases.

Reverse ATMs, which convert cash into a debit card for purchases, are located in multiple locations throughout the venue.

Q: How about for wagering? Do I need cash in order to make bets?
A: If you want to bet the races, you may still want to carry cash, depending on your preferred method of wagering! Learn more about your options by visiting our How To Bet page.

Q: When do parking gates open on Belmont Stakes Day?
A: Parking gates open one hour before admission gates each day.

Q: Is parking included with my ticket?
A: No, parking must be purchased separately. Parking is available for purchase here.

Q: Can parking be purchased day-of?
A: Parking will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure a spot, we recommend purchasing your parking ticket online before the event.

Day-of parking is payable by credit card only.

Q: Will there be transportation provided between the parking lots and the track entrance?
A: Yes, NYRA will be providing bus shuttle service between the parking lots and the track entrance. View the shuttle route here.

Q: Can I tailgate in the parking lot?
A: No, tailgating is not permitted in the parking lots.

Q: When do tickets go on sale?
A: Tickets for the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will go on sale February 2025.

Q: Do hospitality area tickets include a program?
A: Yes, an official Post Parade is included with every ticket purchased in a hospitality area.

Q: Are there any special ticket discounts available?
A: All tickets are sold through Ticketmaster.com or through the NYRA Box Office, and are sold at face value. We typically do not offer discounts on our Belmont Stakes tickets.

Q: What should I do if I misplace my ticket?
A: Please contact the NYRA Box Office at (844) NYRA-TIX if you are the account holder on file, so we can assist you. Please note that we cannot replace any tickets purchased from ticket outlets other than Ticketmaster or the NYRA Box Office.

Q: Does my General Admission ticket guarantee me a seat?
A: No, General Admission tickets are standing-room only. For a guaranteed seat, you must purchase a reserved seat or a seat at a table in one of our hospitality areas.

Q: Can Saratoga Season Passes be used for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival?
A: No, Saratoga Season Passes are not valid for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

Q: Is ADA seating available?
A: Yes, there is ADA seating available throughout the facility. All seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA seating is sold via Ticketmaster.com or through the NYRA Box Office. Call (844) NYRA-TIX for assistance.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: The date and time of any stakes race or other track event is subject to change based on, among other things, force majeure events (including, without limitation, acts of God and other unforeseen circumstances or causes beyond reasonable control). No refunds will be permitted based on such scheduling changes.

In the event that racing is cancelled at any time prior to park opening, or is taking place at a NYRA racetrack without permitted patronage to the general public, and NYRA does not intend to reschedule such racing events, NYRA will issue ticket credits or refunds solely for all tickets/pre-paid parking purchased directly through the NYRA Box Office, or a NYRA Sales Representative, for the specific event days that are affected by such situation. In such cases, tickets purchased via third-party vendors are not eligible for a refund from NYRA and customers must directly contact the third-party vendors for assistance.