A tree tops the beam at the new Belmont Park to mark the completion of a building’s tallest structural element. (NYRA photo)
NYRA celebrates a major construction milestone at the new Belmont Park
NYRA issue
ELMONT, NY – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today welcomed New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, representatives from AECOM Tishman, Populous, the construction industry and elected officials to celebrate the “pinnacle” of the new Belmont Park, which is currently undergoing a multi-year redevelopment project to create a world-class racing and entertainment destination in Elmont, NY
“As we raise the final beam, today marks an important milestone for Belmont Park and New York State,” said Governor Hochul. “This project is more than just rebuilding a race track: it will create jobs, stimulate our economy and ensure Belmont remains a world-class destination. This redevelopment means thousands of good-paying union jobs, new opportunities for local businesses and a facility that will attract visitors from around the world.”
Traditionally held to mark the completion of a building’s tallest structural element, today’s ceremony included the lifting and placing of a steel beam decorated with the American flag and an evergreen tree to convey good luck to the future residents of the building and grounds. Prior to the topping out ceremony, the steel beam was signed by construction workers, NYRA staff, elected officials and stakeholders.
Construction will continue over the coming months on both the exterior and interior of the new building, including the installation of a dramatic canopy structure that will become one of the site’s defining visual features. There are approximately 220 workers on site from various sectors every day, a number that will increase to 350-400 during peak work.
Belmont Park will open for live racing in September 2026 and the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will return to its home base on Long Island in 2027. This will follow a three-year period in which the event was temporarily moved to Saratoga Race Course. In May, Governor Hochul proudly announced Belmont Park as the site for the 2027 World Breeders’ Cup Championships, the annual year-end mega event last held in New York State in 2005.
“Thanks to the leadership and vision of Governor Hochul, who has long recognized the importance of horse racing to New York State’s economy and culture, NYRA is transforming Belmont Park into the sports and entertainment destination New York deserves,” said David O’Rourke, President & CEO of NYRA. “Today’s milestone is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the on-site construction crew, the NYRA team and the expertise of our partners at AECOM Tishman and Populous. Because of their work, a new Belmont Park is coming to Long Island in 2026.”
AECOM Tishman is the construction manager for Belmont Park. One of the world’s leading builders since 1898, AECOM Tishman has extensive experience managing complex and important projects. He has managed the construction of more than 900 million square feet, including iconic buildings such as Manhattan West, One Vanderbilt, Hudson Yards and 270 Park Avenue.
“For more than 125 years, AECOM Tishman has led iconic developments that have changed the way New Yorkers live, work and compete, and rebuilding Belmont Park is another exciting chapter in that storied legacy,” said Eric Reid, Chief Operating Officer, New York Region, AECOM Tishman. “With the support of Governor Hochul and the New York Racing Association, today’s Summit Ceremony reinforces our team’s commitment to creating a world-class sports and entertainment destination on Long Island that reflects the state’s position as the International Horse Racing Capital. Featuring state-of-the-art amenities including a new five-story grandstand and five times more green space, this unique campus will fuel the Empire State’s economic engines and vastly enhance the experience for generations to come. racing fans, both close to home and around the world.”
The project to build Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of Thoroughbred racing to Belmont Park in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and generate $10 million in new state and local tax revenue annually.
In 2023, Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget included a proposal for NYRA to modernize Belmont Park, and the FY24 Enacted Budget granted that approval, providing NYRA with a $455 million loan to build new racing facilities on the historic property in Elmont, NY.
At the center of the Belmont Park redevelopment is a five-story, 300,000-square-foot building that will feature the guest amenities and differentiated hospitality offerings fans have come to expect. Beyond the boundaries of the building itself, the redeveloped Belmont Park will connect the vast infield via pedestrian and vehicular tunnels to provide fans and the surrounding community with a more widely accessible green space than ever before.
Designed by global firm Populous in collaboration with NYRA, Belmont Park will integrate 21st century technology into a stunning, modern architectural design to usher in a new era for horse racing in New York, while paying tribute to the history and traditions that define the property.
“It has been an honor to work side by side with NYRA, AECOM Tishman and all of our partners to bring this vision to life, and we congratulate the team on this milestone,” said Meg McWilliam, Populous Principal & Senior Architect. “We are proud to be part of a project that sets the new standard for racing facilities worldwide and look forward to racing again at Belmont next fall.”
The design process carefully considered the diverse needs of guests, owners, trainers, jockeys and racing stakeholders to enhance the on-site experience and position Belmont Park as a global capital of the sport.
As part of the overall redevelopment of Belmont Park, NYRA has expanded its commitment to modernize the barn area and backstretch by completing construction of two new dormitories since 2023, while construction of a third dormitory will begin later this year. In addition to new residential homes in Belmont Park, NYRA has made significant investments to improve the quality of life on the back by:
- Upgrading the on-site medical clinic
- Installing a modern Blue Light security system
- Upgrading the facilities of the recreation hall and the track kitchen
- Renovation of the gymnasium on site
- Implement new flood mitigation strategies
- Ensure access to reliable Wi-Fi
When completed, Belmont Park will feature four racing surfaces: the traditional 1 1/2-mile dirt main track, two artificial turf tracks and a one-mile Tapeta track, which will serve as the exclusive surface for winter racing. NYRA has rebuilt each track from the ground up with the most technologically advanced irrigation and drainage systems to ensure safe and consistent racing surfaces designed to withstand varying weather conditions. NYRA expects to open the 1.6km Tapeta circuit in November.
For architectural renderings and additional information about Belmont Park, please visit NewBelmont.com.
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