Coolers, alcoholic beverages restricted at Belmont spring-summer meet

OZONE PARK, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association will prohibit fans from bringing in alcoholic beverages and large-sized coolers to the backyard at the upcoming Belmont Park spring/summer meeting, which begins Thursday. Only personal-sized coolers that measure 12 inches by 6 inches will be permitted in that area.

The only area where outside alcohol and coolers will be permitted is the Top of the Stretch picnic area, NYRA announced in a press release Friday.

In its release, NYRA noted that the construction of the UBS Arena “has reduced the size of the Belmont Park backyard and resulted in updated safety and security protocols.”

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While daily general admission at Belmont is $5, tickets to the Top of the Stretch start at $15 per person, which includes admission and access to a shared table for the day. In addition to individual tables, full sections within the Top of the Stretch that can accommodate up to 48 guests, include six picnic tables and two charcoal grills, can be reserved online. The Top of the Stretch also offers smaller sections that can accommodate up to 32 guests and includes four picnic tables.

NYRA is offering a season pass for $95. That offers general admission every live racing day during the Belmont spring/summer and fall meets and includes the three-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival (June 9-11).

Parking options at Belmont for the racing season will include Clubhouse Gold for $10 and Clubhouse Silver for $5, outside of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Advance parking may be purchased online at Tickmaster.com. Day-of parking purchases will be credit card only.

There will be limited general parking within the Emerald lot, a lot behind the backside of the track and accessible from Exit 26 D off the Cross Island Parkway, and Blue lot, accessible via Gate 5 from Hempstead Turnpike.

There will be several days during the first part of the meet where racing will be conducted when events will be held at the UBS Arena at night. In fact, the first two days of racing, Thursday and Friday, coincide with the last two home games for the NHL’s New York Islanders. Those games begin at 7 and 7:30 p.m., respectively. The weekend of May 14-15, three Sesame Street Live performances each day (10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.) will be held at the UBS Arena. On Kentucky Derby day, a John Mayer concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the arena.

First post at Belmont Park for the three dates in April (28-30) will be 1:20 p.m. Beginning May 1, first post will be 1 p.m. with variations for Kentucky Derby Day, Preakness Day and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

First post on Thursdays beginning May 12 will be 3:05 p.m.

NYRA’s release noted that coolers will still be permitted in the backyard at Saratoga.