Get verified info from frequently asked questions below about races, tickets, fan policies, and more! Note: Policies may differ from the traditional Saratoga summer meet.
2026 Belmont Stakes Fan Policies
New protocols are in place for 2026 to enhance fan safety and security while supporting the longstanding cooler tradition at historic Saratoga Race Course. Fans are permitted to carry in coolers to the backyard at Saratoga where hundreds of free picnic tables are available for daily use.
Thursday, June 4, Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6 (Belmont Stakes Day)
- NEW POLICY: Ice must be contained inside sealed bags prior to arrival
- Coolers no larger than 12" x 18" permitted; limit one per guest
- No outside alcoholic beverages
- No glass containers
Wednesday, June 3 and Sunday, June 7
- NEW POLICY: Ice must be contained inside sealed bags prior to arrival
- Coolers (including those larger than 12" x 18") permitted
- Outside alcoholic beverages permitted Wednesday, June 3 and Sunday, June 7 only
Prohibited Items include, but are not limited to: air horns, weapons, confetti, fireworks, glass containers, and illegal drugs or substances.
The following items are also prohibited Thursday, Friday and Saturday:
- Coolers larger than 12" x 18"; limit one per guest
- Outside alcohol
- More than one folding chair per guest
- Pop-up tents, folding tables, or wagons
Banned items include, but are not limited to: air horns, weapons, confetti, fireworks, and illegal drugs or substances.
2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Info
The 2026 Belmont Stakes is on Saturday, June 6 at 7:04pm Eastern.
The 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is June 3-7, 2026 at Saratoga Race Course.
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new and re-imagined Belmont Park. The Belmont Stakes will be contested at 1 1/4 miles rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of Saratoga’s main track.
Post time for the 2026 Belmont Stakes pres. by NYRA Bets is 7:04pm Eastern. Live coverage on FOX.
The Belmont Stakes will return to Belmont Park in 2027.
2026 Belmont Stakes Ticket Info
Tickets for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival are on sale now!
An official Post Parade program is included with every ticket purchased in a hospitality area.
Fans may sign up for The Inside Post Newsletter for special ticket alerts, updates about live racing and events, and offers from Belmont Stakes partners.
Text NYRA to HORSES (467737) to join text alerts.
Please contact the NYRA Box Office at (844) NYRA-TIX if you are the account holder on file, so we can assist you. Please note that we cannot replace any tickets purchased from ticket outlets other than Ticketmaster or the NYRA Box Office.
No, General Admission tickets are standing-room only at Saratoga Race Course. For a guaranteed seat, you must purchase a reserved seat or a seat at a table in a hospitality area. However, there are plenty of benches around the racetrack to grab a seat briefly as needed.
No, Saratoga Season Passes are not valid for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
Yes, there is ADA seating available throughout the facility. All Belmont Stakes seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. ADA seating is sold via Ticketmaster.com or through the NYRA Box Office. Call (844) NYRA-TIX for assistance.
The date and time of any stakes race or other track event is subject to change based on, among other things, force majeure events (including, without limitation, acts of God and other unforeseen circumstances or causes beyond reasonable control). No refunds will be permitted based on such scheduling changes.
In the event that racing is cancelled at any time prior to park opening, or is taking place at a NYRA racetrack without permitted patronage to the general public, and NYRA does not intend to reschedule such racing events, NYRA will issue ticket credits or refunds solely for all tickets/pre-paid parking purchased directly through the NYRA Box Office, or a NYRA Sales Representative, for the specific event days that are affected by such situation. In such cases, tickets purchased via third-party vendors are not eligible for a refund from NYRA and customers must directly contact the third-party vendors for assistance.
What to Wear to Saratoga
The Belmont Stakes is a rare opportunity to pull out all the stops fashion-wise. Lean into your personal style and have fun with it!
A day at the races is a uniquely interactive experience, so be prepared to spend time on your feet.
For style tips and inspiration, visit our What To Wear page.
| Backyard, Apron, Grandstand, Clubhouse | Club Terrace, The Porch, Easy Goer, The Stretch |
| Shirts and shoes required. |
Neat casual attire. No tank tops, short shorts, cut-offs, or abbreviated wear. |
| Turf Terrace | 1863 Club | Box Seats |
|
Ladies: Dresses, skirts or pantsuit. Gentlemen: Collared shirts required. Suits or sports jackets are optional. Vests, polo shirts, sweaters, dress jeans, dress shorts, and slacks are appropriate. |
Ladies: Dresses, skirts or pantsuit. Gentlemen: Collared shirts required. Suits or sports jackets are optional. No jeans, shorts, rompers, or abbreviated wear permitted. |
Ladies: Dresses, skirts or pantsuit. Gentlemen: Suit or sport jacket required (tie optional). No jeans, shorts, rompers, or abbreviated wear permitted. |
Purchases at the Track
The 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will not be accepting cash for the majority of purchases, including food and beverage service, admissions, and parking. Credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets and other mobile pay options, like Apple Pay, will be accepted for non-wagering purchases.
If you want to bet the races, you may still want to carry cash, depending on your preferred method of wagering! Learn more about your options by visiting our How To Bet page.
Belmont Stakes Entry Times
Official gate open times for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival:
| Admission Gates Open | First Post | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | 11:00am | 12:35pm |
| Thursday, June 4 | 11:00am | 12:35pm |
| Friday, June 5 | 10:00am | 11:45am |
| Saturday, June 6 | 9:00am | 11:00am |
| Sunday, June 7 | 11:00am | 12:35pm |
Main Track
No public access until gates open.
Oklahoma Training Track
Open to fans throughout the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival; no public access from 7:00-10:00am on Friday, June 5 or Saturday, June 6.
Backyard picnic tables at Saratoga will be available for ticketholders free of charge on a first come, first served basis for the 2026 Belmont Stakes. Those seeking to claim a backyard picnic table should arrive well before gates open.
No, once gates open, there is no re-entry to Saratoga Race Course on Belmont Stakes Day.
Parking at Saratoga
No, parking must be purchased separately from your ticket to Saratoga Race Course. Learn more here.
Day-of parking is payable by credit card only.
Yes, free general parking is available every day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. However, the free lots can be close to 1 mile away from the track gates.
Complimentary shuttle service operates to and from the Union Avenue drop-off point, across from Gate A.
| Public Parking Opens | Admission Gates Open | First Post | |
| Wednesday, June 3 | 10:00am | 11:00am | 12:35pm |
| Thursday, June 4 | 10:00am | 11:00am | 12:35pm |
| Friday, June 5 | 9:00am | 10:00am | 11:45am |
| Saturday, June 6 | 8:00am | 9:00am | 11:00am |
| Sunday, June 7 | 10:00am | 11:00am | 12:35pm |
No, tailgating is not permitted in the parking lots.
NYRA provides bus shuttle service from the free general parking area to Gate 3 or Gate A.
Rideshare drop-off/pickup is on East Avenue, across Union Avenue from Gates A & B, outside Gate 21.
Official 2026 Grounds Map for the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga
Scroll to see the interior map, featuring seating areas, attractions, and food & beverage options around the track. Map & vendors subject to change.
