Imagine the thrill of witnessing a legendary racetrack reborn, right on schedule and within its financial limits— that's the electrifying reality unfolding at Belmont Park! This massive overhaul isn't just about bricks and beams; it's a bold leap into the future while cherishing a storied past filled with hoofbeats and high stakes. But here's where it gets controversial: as we celebrate this progress, questions linger about whether such grandeur truly outweighs the shadows of the past. Stick around, because the details might just change how you view horse racing's comeback.
On a crisp Wednesday morning, the $455 million transformation of Belmont Park hit a major checkpoint. Governor Kathy Hochul, key figures from the New York Racing Association (NYRA), team members from AECOM Tishman and Populous, skilled union workers, and others gathered for a topping-out ceremony—the moment when the last structural beam was placed atop the brand-new Belmont Park. It was a moment of triumph, signaling that this ambitious endeavor is proceeding exactly as planned.
Marc Holliday, who leads the NYRA board, reaffirmed that the project remains 'on time and on budget.' 'To launch one of the greatest, largest racetrack projects ever in history right here, and a world-class facility,' Hochul declared with enthusiasm. She and Holliday chatted about how Belmont stands out—comparing it to tracks in far-flung places like Dubai, which Hochul admitted she hadn't visited recently, but confidently asserted that nothing compares to what they're building here. 'And so what it does is it projects us into the future, but it honors Belmont’s storied past, and that’s the genius behind this.' For beginners diving into horse racing, think of the Belmont Stakes as the sport's ultimate endurance test—a grueling 1.5-mile race that's the final leg of the Triple Crown, and the Breeders’ Cup as an international showcase of top thoroughbreds competing in various events.
The park is slated to welcome back fans in September 2026, with the iconic Belmont Stakes making its return in 2027. Even more exciting, the Breeders’ Cup will head to Belmont that October—its first appearance there since 2005, bringing global attention to this rejuvenated venue.
The state provided NYRA with a $455 million loan to fund this vision, which involved demolishing the old 1.25-million-square-foot grandstand and erecting a sleek 300,000-square-foot, five-story replacement. This isn't just construction; it's a powerhouse of economic boost, injecting $1 billion into the local economy through building activities and creating 3,700 jobs in the process. Once operational, the site will generate $155 million annually in economic output, plus $10 million in new state and local taxes each year—numbers that highlight how this project ripples far beyond the track.
A visual from the ceremony captured the excitement: fans and officials posing with the final beam, a symbol of progress. (For a closer look, check out this tweet: pic.twitter.com/if6GUilQtK from Ben Dickson on October 15, 2025.)
The redesigned Belmont will feature four distinct tracks: a classic 1.5-mile dirt course for traditional races, two turf options for grass-based events (which can offer a different challenge for horses adapted to softer surfaces), and a synthetic track that's gentler on hooves and provides consistent performance in various weather. David O’Rourke, NYRA's CEO, highlighted the innovations: 'We've got three different tunnels going into the infield,' he explained, allowing easier access. 'We’ve got a brand-new building that's dual-sided to a paddock that is the same size as the Saratoga paddock, so it's big. And it's very accessible in terms of the general admission crowd, in terms of their ability to get near the horses like you have in Saratoga. That's something that we've been trying to adopt here on the Belmont plan.' For those new to racing, the paddock is where horses are paraded before a race, giving fans a pre-show glimpse at the stars of the day—much like a backstage pass.
And this is the part most people miss: Belmont's history includes some tough realities. The last horse races before shutdown were in 2023, and a 2024 Newsday report revealed that 221 horses had died at the park in the prior five years. NYRA responded by emphasizing that the new setup will be safer, thanks to the synthetic track and upgrades not seen in 50 years. This raises a heated debate—was the old track inherently cruel, or is this just a necessary evolution? Critics might argue that synthetic surfaces can reduce injuries, while others worry about the authenticity of racing on artificial turf. It's a point worth pondering.
Eric Reid, the COO of AECOM Tishman overseeing construction, has a personal connection as a lifelong resident of Floral Park. 'I remember days in high school looking out the window, watching the horses, watching the jockeys, watching all of the staff in getting the horses ready and running the facility,' he shared. 'And it's somewhat surreal to see all these years later, to be here demolishing the existing grandstand and building a world-class modern grandstand for generations to come. It's the chance of a lifetime.' He outlined the remaining steps, including installing a stunning glass curtain wall, finishing the structural steel, and adding cutting-edge TV screens and infield scoreboards. 'We will be working seven days a week getting this ready for the deadline next year,' he added, underscoring the relentless pace.
Floral Park Mayor Kevin Fitzgerald is optimistic about the community's embrace. 'It's always been a bedrock of the community, Belmont Park, and I think it'll be enhanced now that the new facility is here,' he said. 'Especially with the creation of jobs, a lot of people that work here 365 days a year live in Floral Park. And always welcoming more people to Floral Park, inclusive of not only living but visiting and coming to operate restaurants.' This expansion could mean more local businesses booming, from eateries to souvenir shops, drawing in diverse crowds.
There's another potential flashpoint: traffic woes. Since UBS Arena opened in 2021, fans have griped about congestion and transit hassles for Islanders games. Could Belmont's grand opening ease that burden—or worsen it? 'It could bring more traffic, but so far so good,' Fitzgerald noted cautiously. 'Floral Park has our own police department, so we can control a lot of things and move things around pretty quickly if we need to.' O’Rourke sees silver linings: 'Once there's less of a construction site, I think that's going to help,' he said. 'And that train station has been amazing, and the utilization has gone up every year. The UBS folks will speak to that. So yeah, I think everything's going to work out well.' Is this redevelopment a community win, or will it strain local resources? Your take matters.
By Ben Dickson
Ben Dickson serves as Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined the team in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered various Terrapins' teams.
What do you think—does this rebirth of Belmont Park justify the investment, or should we question the priorities in horse racing? Do you see the safety improvements as a game-changer, or is there a risk of losing the sport's raw, traditional edge? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, and fresh perspectives!
