2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival Ticket Guide
The 158th running of the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes returns to Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Fans can experience five days of elite thoroughbred racing from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7. If you are looking to secure 2026 Belmont Stakes tickets, there are several important dates and pricing tiers to keep in mind.
2026 General Admission Pricing and Access
General admission tickets provide access to the track apron and the backyard picnic area on a first-come, first-served basis. These tickets do not provide a reserved seat but allow fans to soak in the atmosphere of the festival.
- Wednesday, June 3: $10
- Thursday, June 4: $10
- Friday, June 5: $30
- Saturday, June 6 (Belmont Stakes Day): $75
- Sunday, June 7: $10
Children ages 12 and under receive free general admission every day except for Saturday. On Belmont Stakes Day, child admission is $20 for those ages 4 to 12. A five-day admission bundle is also available for $120.
Important Grounds Policy: Please note that there is no early-morning access to the grounds, and re-entry is strictly prohibited once gates have officially opened each day of the festival.
Racetrack Policy and Cooler Guidelines
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has established specific rules for what fans can bring into Saratoga Race Course during the five-day festival.
🧊 New for 2026: Ice Bag Requirement
For safety and efficiency at the admission gates, all fans bringing coolers will be required to ensure all ice is contained inside sealed bags prior to arrival.
🚫 Thursday, June 4 through Saturday, June 6 Restrictions
Strict limitations are in place during the peak days of the festival (Thursday through Saturday). The following items are not permitted:
- Large Coolers: Only personal coolers with a maximum size of 12" x 18" are allowed (limit one per guest; ice must be contained separately; medical supplies are exempt).
- Outside Alcohol: No outside alcohol is permitted on these days. Coolers may only contain food and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Backpacks and Handbags: Only small bags with a maximum size of 16" x 16" x 8" are allowed.
- Temporary Furniture: Pop-up tents and folding tables are banned. (Exception: A maximum of 1 folding chair per person is allowed).
- Wagons and Carts: No wagons or hand carts are permitted on the grounds.
🔄 Wednesday, June 3 and Sunday, June 7 Allowances
Fans must follow standard Saratoga summer meet policies on the opening and closing days of the festival. The following items are permitted only on Wednesday and Sunday:
- Larger Coolers: Up to an 18" x 20" maximum size (ice must still be contained separately).
- Outside Alcohol: Permitted in non-glass containers.
- Temporary Furniture: Folding chairs, pop-up tents, and folding tables are allowed.
- Wagons and Hand Carts: Permitted for transporting your gear.
🛑 Strictly Prohibited Items (All Days)
Certain items are banned throughout the entire duration of the festival. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to:
- Glass containers
- Grills or lighter fluid
- Umbrellas
- Weapons
- Confetti or glitter
- Fireworks
- Illegal drugs or substances
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