Third Eye Blind to headline 2018 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival entertainment lineup

by Pat McKenna

Belmont Stakes Day to include a performance from hit Broadway musical "A Bronx Tale"
Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot to perform post-race concert on Friday, June 8

The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) announced today that acclaimed multi-platinum band Third Eye Blind will headline the entertainment lineup for the 2018 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The 3-day Festival will also include a Belmont Stakes Day performance from the hit Broadway musical "A Bronx Tale" as well as a Friday, June 8, performance from acclaimed Billy Joel tribute band Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot.

With the 150th running of the Belmont Stakes as its centerpiece, the 2018 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will take place at beautiful Belmont Park from Thursday, June 7 through Saturday, June 9. Featuring the very best in thoroughbred racing alongside world-class entertainment and hospitality options, the Festival has become the most exciting way for sports fans to kick off the summer season in New York.

Third Eye Blind, formed in San Francisco in 1993, will perform a short set just prior to the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9. Immediately following the conclusion of the day's live racing schedule, Third Eye Blind will lead a special, post-race concert near the 'Top of the Stretch' at Belmont Park.

Third Eye Blind has sold more than 12 million albums since their debut in 1997, including three top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in "Semi-Charmed Life," for which the band won a Billboard Music Award for Best Modern Rock Track in 1997, "Jumper" and "How's It Going to Be." Led by singer Stephan Jenkins and drummer Brad Hargreaves, Third Eye Blind has released five albums and has been twice nominated for American Music Awards.

Belmont Stakes Day will also include a trackside performance from the hit Broadway musical "A Bronx Tale". Based on the critically acclaimed play that inspired the now classic film, this streetwise musical will take you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s-where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he'd love to be. Featuring an original doo-wop score, this is a tale about respect, loyalty, love and above all else: family. "A Bronx Tale" is playing at the Longacre Theatre on Broadway, 220 West 48th Street. https://abronxtalethemusical.com/

On Friday, June 8, Billy Joel tribute band Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot will treat guests to a special post-race concert. Big Shot, which features pianist and vocalist Michael DelGuidice, and includes other current long time members of Billy Joel's touring band, including Tommy Byrnes, guitar and Chuck Burgi, drums are well known and respected for providing a show of Billy Joel's songbook. 

For additional information about the 2018 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.belmontstakes.com/tickets/2018-ticket-info

In March, NYRA announced the launch of an innovative promotion that will provide one lucky fan with the chance of a lifetime--to earn $150,000 by picking the winner of the 150th Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 9.

The Belmont Stakes $150,000 Sweepstakes is open for entries through Friday, May 18. Just prior to the running of the 150th Belmont Stakes on June 9, the grand prize winner will reveal to a packed house at Belmont Park his or her selection to win the "Test of the Champion". Should that horse emerge victorious, the fan will take home $150,000.

In addition to earning the chance at $150,000, the grand prize winner is entitled to a premium VIP experience to the 3-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, including hospitality, air fare and five nights of hotel accommodations in the New York City area.