2024 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga: “Know before you go”

While Saratoga Race Course is wrapping up its preparation for the 2024 Belmont Stakes, the New York Racing Association offers some tips to horserace lovers, for a safer and more enjoyable spectating experience at the Race.

Dates

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (WRGB) — Thursday, Jun. 6 to Sunday, Jun. 9.

24 stakes races will be featured, worth over $10 million in total.

Tickets

Tickets are expected to be ready as attendees approach security.

For mobile device users, a Ticketmaster account or NYRA Account Manager could be useful for ticket purchases. Once tickets are displayed on the phone, it is recommended to save them to the mobile wallet for easy access on event day.

For this year’s Saratoga season, passes do not include admission to race days during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

Transportation & Parking

Parking will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, while online purchase for parking tickets in advance is available.

Parking gates will open one hour before admission gates each day.

The free CDTA Saratoga Summer Trolley will be operational each day of the Festival, running between downtown Saratoga Springs and the racetrack.

Arrival & Entry

There will be three admission entrances: Gates A and B are accessible via Union Avenue, while Gate C accessible via Nelson Avenue.

Thursday, Jun. 6: 11 a.m.

Friday, Jun. 7: 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Jun. 8 (Belmont Stakes Day): 9 a.m.

Sunday, June 9: 11 a.m.

Gates will be open for early morning access to watch training, and the grounds will be cleared at 10 a.m.

Thursday, Jun. 6: 7 a.m.

Friday, Jun. 7: no morning access

Saturday, Jun. 8: no morning access

Sunday, June 9: 7 a.m.

Picnic Tables

Backyard picnic tables will be available free of charge to ticketholders on a first-come, first-served basis.

Access to picnic tables will start at the earliest gate open time on each day.

After the official gate open time, there is no re-entry permitted throughout the four-day festival.

Purchases

Cash will not be available for the majority of purchases (food and beverage service, admissions, parking, etc.) 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.

Cash will be accepted for wagering.

Security

Bags and purses no larger than 16″ x 16″ x 8″

Binoculars

Folding chairs (limit 1 per guest)

Seat cushions

Small cameras with detachable lenses 6″ or less

Small cooler for medical purposes

Strollers (only if carrying a child)

Umbrellas (personal size)

More information about permitted items is available at: https://www.belmontstakes.com/event-info/security

• Permitted Food & Beverage

Coolers no larger than 12″ x 18″ containing food and non-alcoholic beverages (Limit 1 per adult; no trash bags, no glass)

Food trucks are available at the venue throughout the four-day Racing Festival, while free alcohol samples will be available on Jun. 7, 1-4 p.m.

Outside alcoholic beverages

MORE: No outside alcoholic beverages allowed for 2024 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course

Tables of any kind

Tents of any kind

Wagons, shopping carts, or hand trucks

Skateboards, Hover Boards or recreational vehicle devices (with the exception of ADA-approved devices)

Sports equipment (including balls of all kind and frisbees)

Tripods or other professional camera equipment

…

More tips for the Race attendees are available at: https://www.belmontstakes.com/event-info/know-before-you-go

MORE: New York Racing Association responds to horse safety concerns