NYRA releases regulations for Belmont racegoers at Saratoga

The New York Racing Association has released its policies for the upcoming Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.

The festival will be largely cashless; NYRA says cash won’t be accepted “for food and beverage purchases, admission, parking or programs (with the exception of the official Saratoga store)” during the event.

Fans are allowed to bring one folding chair and one 12-inch-by-18-inch cooler for food and non-alcoholic drinks, but tables, tents, wagons and alcohol can’t be carried in. Re-entry also won’t be permitted at the course, and professional photography/videography equipment is also forbidden.

There will be first-come,-first-serve free backyard picnic tables available; those can be secured at 9 a.m. on Belmont Stakes day; 11 a.m. on Thursday and Sunday of the festival; and 10:30 a.m. on Friday.

The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is taking place this year at Saratoga Race Course for the first time on June 6-9, with the 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes – the third leg of the Triple Crown – sold out for Saturday, June 8.