Explore the 2026 Belmont Stakes FAQ for Important Event Information
Are you hoping to partake in the excitement and rich history of the renowned Belmont Stakes Racing Festival? Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned enthusiast, we've gathered all the most important information so you can have an unforgettable experience.
See our Belmont Stakes FAQ below, and learn about the event's history, tickets, venue guidelines, and this year's record setting purse!
Jump To a Question:
What city is the Belmont Stakes in for 2026?
The 2026 Belmont Stakes will take place in Saratoga Springs, NY. This marks the third and final year the race has moved to upstate New York to facilitate the historic multi-million dollar redevelopment of Belmont Park.
The race will officially return to its permanent home on Long Island in 2027 when the new facility opens.
What day is the Belmont Stakes?
The 158th running of the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes takes place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course. The race serves as the crown jewel of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, a five-day block-buster meet running from Wednesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 7, 2026.
Visitors can enjoy 25 stakes races with over $11 million in total purses, massive downtown community celebrations, and premium on-track entertainment throughout the week in Saratoga Springs.
What are the official track gate times and post times?
Gates open significantly earlier as the festival weekend approaches to accommodate the peak crowds. Please note that there is no early-morning backstretch access for morning workouts, and a strict no-re-entry policy is enforced once your ticket has been scanned for the day.
- Wednesday, June 3: Gates open at 11:00 AM | First Post: 12:35 PM | Final Post: 5:48 PM
- Thursday, June 4: Gates open at 11:00 AM | First Post: 12:35 PM | Final Post: 6:16 PM
- Friday, June 5: Gates open at 10:00 AM | First Post: 11:45 AM | Final Post: 7:43 PM
- Saturday, June 6 (Belmont Stakes Day): Gates open at 9:00 AM | First Post: 11:00 AM | Belmont Stakes Post Time: 7:04 PM ET | Final Post: 8:02 PM
- Sunday, June 7: Gates open at 11:00 AM | First Post: 12:35 PM | Final Post: 5:47 PM
When do 2026 Belmont Stakes tickets go on sale?
Tickets are currently available across all tiers! General admission tickets, single-day track passes, reserved grandstand seating, and premium trackside hospitality options can be purchased online.
What do Saratoga General Admission (GA) tickets include?
General Admission tickets grant access to the Saratoga grounds and standing-room access to the trackside apron and backyard picnic tables on a first-come, first-served basis.
GA tickets do not include a reserved seat, access to a reserved area, or a guaranteed direct view of the racetrack, though there is ample communal seating and television access throughout the facility. To unlock the best value, fans can purchase a 5-Day Admission Bundle for $120, saving $15 over individual single-day tickets.
What can I bring into Saratoga Race Course? (Changing Cooler Rules)
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, make sure to review the permitted and prohibited items list. Ground and security rules change significantly depending on the date:
Relaxed Rules (Wednesday, June 3 & Sunday, June 7 Only): On opening Wednesday and closing Sunday, fans are permitted to bring outside alcohol (in non-glass containers), standard-sized coolers, wagons, hand carts, folding tables, and pop-up tents onto the track grounds.
Peak Rules & Restricted Environment (Thursday, June 4 – Saturday, June 6): During the peak festival period, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. Coolers are heavily restricted—only one personal cooler measuring a maximum of 12" x 18" is permitted per guest (medical coolers exempt). Food and non-alcoholic drinks within these permitted personal coolers are allowed. Temporary furniture (tents, tables) and wagons/hand carts are not allowed.
NOTE: Ice must be contained within bags inside coolers.
General Permitted Items (All Festival Days):
- One folding chair per person
- Bags and purses no larger than 16" x 16" x 8"
- Binoculars, sunscreen, and personal-sized umbrellas
- Baby or diaper bags (must contain childcare items and accompany a child)
- Cell phones, tablets, and small cameras with detachable lenses 6 inches or less
- Strollers (only if carrying a child)
Strictly Banned Items (Prohibited All Days):
- Glass containers, aluminum bottles, grills, or lighter fluid
- Backpacks, or any bags larger than 16" x 16" x 8"
- Cameras with detachable lenses longer than 6 inches, tripods, or professional recording gear
- Aerosol cans, fireworks, confetti, glitter, laser pointers, poles, staffs, or sticks
- Air horns or other noise makers
- Drones or remote-controlled aircraft
- Animals (except service animals)
- Skateboards, hoverboards, or recreational vehicles (except ADA-approved)
- Sports equipment (including balls and frisbees)
- Weapons of any kind (including firearms, knives, mace, and pepper spray)
When do the track parking gates open?
The parking gates open exactly one hour before the official track admission gates each day. (10:00 AM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; 9:00 AM on Friday; and 8:00 AM on Belmont Stakes Day).
What parking and transportation options are available in Saratoga Springs?
Track parking is not included with your ticket and must be purchased separately. Purchasing parking passes online in advance is highly recommended as track lots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis (payable by credit card only). NYRA provides a shuttle bus from the outer parking lots directly to the track entrance gates.
Additionally, parking is available in downtown Saratoga Springs. The free CDTA Saratoga Summer Trolley will be operational every day of the festival, transporting fans back and forth between the downtown Broadway district and the racetrack gates.
For parking passes and the parking map, view the Belmont Stakes parking guide.
Note: Parking is available in downtown Saratoga as well.
Will the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival be cashless?
Yes. Saratoga Race Course operates a completely cashless environment for food and beverages, track admissions, program programs, and track parking. Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets (like Apple Pay) are accepted.
- Note on Wagering: Physical cash is still required if you want to place traditional trackside wagers on the horse races! Reverse ATMs are located throughout the venue to convert physical cash into a usable debit card if needed.
What do I need to wear for the Belmont Stakes?
Your ticket type and seating location will determine if you need to follow a specific dress code. View our full dress code guide for details.
What is the drink of the Belmont Stakes?
The official signature drink of the festival is the Belmont Jewel. It is available trackside at any Saratoga concession stand that serves hard liquor, or you can mix it up at home using the official recipe:
- 1 ½ oz. Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- 2 oz. lemonade
- 1 oz. pomegranate juice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Please enjoy the Belmont Jewel responsibly
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