NYRA celebrates major construction milestone at the new Belmont Park
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today welcomed New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, representatives from AECOM Tishman, Populous, construction trades, and elected officials to celebrate the “topping out” 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, N.Y.
“As we raise the final beam, today marks a major milestone for Belmont Park and New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “This project is more than simply rebuilding a racetrack — it’s creating jobs, boosting our economy and ensuring 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 highest structural element, today’s ceremony involved the raising and placement of a steel beam adorned with the American flag and an evergreen tree to convey good luck to the future occupants of the building and property. Prior to the topping out ceremony, the steel beam was signed by construction workers, NYRA employees, elected officials and stakeholders.
Construction will continue in 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 defining visual characteristics of the venue. Approximately 220 workers are on-site daily from a variety of trades, a number that will increase to 350-400 at peak construction.
Belmont Park will open for live racing in September 2026 with the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets set to return to its Long Island home in 2027. This will follow a three-year period where the event was temporarily shifted to Saratoga Race Course. In May, Gov. Hochul proudly announced Belmont Park as the site of the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World 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 that New York deserves,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “Today’s milestone is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the construction personnel on-site, 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 is deeply experienced managing complex and important projects, having managed the construction of more than 900 million square feet, including iconic buildings such as the Manhattan West, One Vanderbilt, Hudson Yards, and 270 Park Avenue.
“For more than 125 years, AECOM Tishman has led iconic developments that have transformed the way New Yorkers live, work and compete, and the reconstruction of Belmont Park is another exciting chapter in that storied legacy,” said Eric Reid, Chief Operating Officer, New York Region, AECOM Tishman. “With support from Governor Hochul and the New York Racing Association, today’s topping out 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 capital of horse racing. With state-of-the-art amenities including a new five-story grandstand and five times more green space, this one-of-a-kind campus will fuel the Empire State’s economic engines and greatly enhance the experience for generations of 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 produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.
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 at the historic property in Elmont, N.Y.
Central to the Belmont Park redevelopment is a 300,000-square foot, five-story building featuring the guest amenities and differentiated hospitality offerings fans have come to expect. Beyond the confines of the building itself, the redeveloped Belmont Park will unlock the massive infield through pedestrian and vehicular tunnels to provide fans and the surrounding community with more generally accessible green space than ever before.
Designed by the global firm Populous in conjunction with NYRA, Belmont Park will incorporate 21st century technology within 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 working side by side with NYRA, AECOM Tishman, and all our partners to bring this vision to life, and we congratulate the team on this milestone achievement,” said Meg McWilliam, Populous Principal & Senior Architect. “We’re proud to be part of a project that sets the new standard for racing facilities globally and look forward to welcoming racing back to Belmont next fall.”
Throughout the design process, the varying needs of guests, owners, trainers, jockeys and racing stakeholders were carefully considered to elevate 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 the construction of two new dormitories since 2023, with construction on a third scheduled to begin later this year. In addition to new residential housing at Belmont Park, NYRA has made significant investments to improve backstretch quality of life by:
Upgrading the on-site medical clinic
Installing a modern Blue Light security system
Upgrading the Recreation Hall and Track Kitchen facilities
Renovating the on-site Gymnasium
Implementing new flood mitigation strategies
Ensuring access to reliable Wi-Fi
When complete, Belmont Park will feature four racing surfaces: the traditional 1 1/2-mile dirt main track, two turf courses, 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 be resilient to varying weather conditions. NYRA expects to open the one-mile Tapeta track in November.
For architectural renderings and additional information about Belmont Park, please visit NewBelmont.com.
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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 Aqueduct Racetrack, 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.
About AECOM Tishman
AECOM Tishman is one of the world’s leading builders, originally founded in 1898 and responsible for managing construction of more than 900 million square feet. AECOM Tishman is part of AECOM, the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. Our teams partner with public-and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management.
About Populous
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus — to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses and amplify the pure emotion shared in human moments. Over the last 40 years, the firm has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous’ comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding, and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hospitality and sustainable design consulting. Populous has over 1,500 employees in 31 global offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane.