Marc Forgione named Signature Chef at Belmont Park
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), Levy and Elevate today announced a partnership naming Marc Forgione as Signature Chef at the new Belmont Park, where Chef Forgione will develop and execute menus across the venue's premium hospitality areas.
An award-winning restaurateur and Food Network Iron Chef, Chef Forgione grew up in the shadow of Belmont Park before embarking on an acclaimed culinary career. His eponymous restaurant, Forgione, as well as the NoLita destination Peasant, are among New York’s most celebrated restaurants. The partnership coincides with NYRA’s extended and expanded relationship with Levy as its food, beverage and hospitality partner across NYRA venues.
“Belmont Park has always held a special place in my heart,” said Forgione. “To have the opportunity to help shape the culinary experience at this iconic venue is incredibly meaningful and a highlight of my career. Belmont Park will be a celebration of what makes horse racing and New York special, and I’m committed to providing guests with offerings that add to the excitement of a day at the races.”
Chef Forgione will bring his innovative culinary approach to Belmont Park’s Turf Club Restaurant, Turf Club Lounge, Homestretch Market and Big Red’s Sports Bar. Chef Forgione will provide seasonal menus alongside chef’s tables and rotating a la carte options. The food menus will be paired with a bespoke beverage program, including a deep wine list and mixologist-driven cocktail and mocktail menu.
Guests can expect staples from Forgione’s restaurants, such as Hiramasa Tartare, Chili Lobster, Côte de Boeuf and 10-Minute Cookies – classics done exceptionally well and made to be enjoyed during an afternoon at Belmont Park.
“Marc Forgione’s culinary vision, deep New York roots and personal connection to Belmont Park make him the ideal partner to help define the hospitality experience at the new Belmont Park,” said Matthew Chmura, NYRA SVP, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer. “Our goal is to provide guests with a new level of hospitality, and Marc’s involvement will ensure our restaurants and dining options are among the very best in sports and entertainment.”
Elevate partnered with Levy and NYRA to secure Forgione for Belmont Park, representing him through the deal and helping shape the collaboration’s creative direction. NYRA, Levy and Elevate worked closely together to shape a premium culinary experience that features world‑class chefs, bespoke food‑and‑beverage programs, and top-caliber hospitality at Belmont Park.
Following a three-year project to transform Belmont Park into a world-class sports and entertainment destination, a new and re-imagined Belmont Park will open for live racing on Friday, September 18.
To celebrate the beginning of a new era for thoroughbred racing in New York, multi-Platinum entertainer Dierks Bentley will perform live at Belmont Park on September 18 and be featured during the Belmont Park: Return to Racing telecast airing on FOX from 3-4:30 p.m. ET.
General admission tickets for the September 18 program are now on sale via NewBelmont.com. Admission will be $50, inclusive of complimentary food and beverage options and a commemorative program.
Proceeds from all September 18 tickets sales will be dedicated to the NYRA Foundation, a philanthropic effort designed to raise funding and awareness for the work of non-profits, service providers, thoroughbred aftercare groups and charitable organizations connected to horse racing in New York State.
Prior to the full completion of floors 3-5, which is expected in Q1 of 2027, the first two floors of the grandstand will be open and fully operational beginning September 18. The Return to Racing at Belmont Park will feature the debut of bars and concession areas such as Big Red's, Homestretch Market, Silks and the Trackside Lounge, along with premium dining and hospitality areas including the Turf Club Restaurant and Lounge, The Overlook, and The Stretch View. Beyond the confines of the modern grandstand, guests visiting Belmont Park this fall will have access to outdoor areas throughout the facility including the backyard, paddock viewing areas, and apron.
General admission on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, will be $10, and includes a commemorative program. Beginning Thursday, September 24, general admission pricing will mirror that at historic Saratoga Race Course, with tickets available for $7 in advance and $10 on the day of the event, including a complimentary program.
Full-season packages, premium hospitality spaces and additional group savings plans for the fall meet are available at NewBelmont.com/Tickets. Fans can preview sightlines and explore the premium hospitality spaces with the new Belmont Park Virtual Venue tool.
About the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)
NYRA is a not-for-profit corporation franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide economic impact.
NYRA is the parent company of NYRA Bets, LLC, the national advanced deposit wagering platform launched in 2016 and currently available to customers in 38 states. The NYRA Bets app is available for download on iOS and Android at NYRABets.com.
About Levy
The disruptor in defining the sports and entertainment hospitality experience, Levy is recognized as the market leader and most critically acclaimed hospitality company in its industry. Levy has twice been named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports by Fast Company magazine and has been honored by Forbes as a Best Large Employer, Best Employer for Diversity, and Best Employer for Women. Levy’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions, theaters and music festivals, and convention centers; as well as the Super Bowl, Grammy Awards, US Open Tennis Tournament, Kentucky Derby, Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals, and NHL, MLB, NBA, NFL, and MLS All-Star Games. For more, visit levyrestaurants.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and X.
About Elevate
Elevate is an award-winning global sports and entertainment agency founded in 2018 and the chosen growth partner for the world’s leading brands, properties, and experience-driven businesses. Through one integrated model, Elevate serves as the trusted advisor for more than 1,000 clients, helping them solve complex challenges and drive business wins.
What began in sports has evolved into a platform now serving clients across culture, attractions, culinary, and hotels. Today, Elevate brings operational expertise, data-driven intelligence, and world-class creativity together under one roof.
Elevate partners with clients worldwide from offices across North America, Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.oneelevate.com.
