The third jewel in horse racing’s Triple Crown is set for Saturday, June 8, wrapping up an exciting five weeks when the sport takes center stage in American culture.

The 156^th Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets won’t be held at its usual venue this year, however, as Belmont Park on Long Island, N.Y., undergoes a massive reconstruction project that isn’t scheduled to be completed until fall 2025.

Instead, the historic Belmont Stakes will be held at an equally historic track – picturesque Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. The upstate New York venue is known for its fantastic summer meet that runs from mid-July to Labor Day each year, and that is only six weeks away. But “the Spa” will also host a four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 6-9 featuring not only the Belmont Stakes but several other important races.

Fans will descend on Saratoga Springs en masse next week – and if you’re among them, here’s what you need to know before you make the trip to attend what promises to be one of the highlights of the 2024 racing calendar.

Possible Rematch of Derby, Preakness Winners

As of May 30, upset Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey is confirmed to start in the Belmont Stakes, while trainer Ken McPeek said that he would make a decision as to whether Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve winner and Preakness Stakes runner-up Mystik Dan would start in the Belmont over the weekend of June 2-3. Other probable contenders for Belmont 156 include Kentucky Derby runner-up Sierra Leone.

Star Power on Display in Undercard Races

The Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap on the June 8 Belmont Stakes undercard – aka the “Met Mile” – is one of the most prestigious races in the sport and is particularly prized by owners who want to build up a horse’s credentials as a prospective stallion. This year’s Met Mile is expected to feature last year’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio and National Treasure, winner of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes Presented by Baccarat in January. The Met Mile, the Ogden Phipps Stakes Presented by Ford, and the Jaipur Stakes Presented by Resolute Racing also on June 8 are “Win and You’re In” qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup in November at Del Mar, offering the winners fees-paid berths to World Championship races.

Picnic tables at a premium. (Penelope P. Miller/America's Best Racing)

How to Get to the Track, When It Opens, and Transportation/Parking

Saratoga Race Course is located at 267 Union Ave., east of downtown and accessible to those coming from out of town via I-87. Admission gates open at 9 a.m. ET on Belmont Stakes day, June 8, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7, and at 11 a.m. on both Thursday, June 6, and Sunday, June 9.

The backyard picnic table area at Saratoga is hugely popular and the tables are coveted by fans who snag them on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you want one it is advised to get to the track well before the gates open to secure a spot in line.

Parking gates will open one hour before the admission gates each day. The New York Racing Association strongly recommends purchasing parking online in advance, but additional parking will be sold on a first-come, first-serve basis. Access a map of Saratoga Race Course here.

The free CDTA Saratoga Summer Trolley will be operational each day of the Belmont Stakes Festival, transporting fans between downtown Saratoga Springs and the racetrack. View a route map here.

Entertainment Options for Belmont Week

There is an abundance of activities scheduled for the week of the Belmont Stakes Festival in and around Saratoga Springs. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which is located right next to the racetrack, has a fun and educational roster of events planned, and popular roots rock band Blues Traveler will play a free concert in downtown Saratoga Springs on Wednesday, June 5.

At the track, Tony Award-winning actress, singer/songwriter, producer and author Idina Menzel will perform the celebrated theme song “New York, New York” just prior to the Belmont Stakes post parade. The live concert draw on Belmont Stakes day is Tom Nitti, a popular Country singer and former contestant on NBC’s “The Voice,” who will perform from the Purdy’s Summer Music Stage beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

Aside from special events, Saratoga Springs is renowned among racing enthusiasts for having some of the finest food and drink establishments of any city/town with a racetrack. Check out our guide to classic dining establishments and our rundown of bars and breweries to visit.

Ticket Information

General admission and premium hospitality tickets are sold out for Belmont Stakes day, June 8, but are still available for the other three days. Purchase them here. A limited number of premium VIP packages for Belmont Stakes day are available here.

Great betting at the Spa. (Penelope P. Miller/America's Best Racing)

Keep Cash on Hand, but Just for Betting

The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be cashless for many purchases, including food and beverage service, admissions, and parking. Credit and debit cards will be accepted.

On the other hand, placing a bet on-track, either with a mutuel clerk or using a self-service machine, is cash-only. Fans can also bet online via NYRA Bets – set up an account here and receive a bonus if you are a new member.

Try the Belmont Jewel

Like the Kentucky Derby’s Mint Julep and the Preakness’s Black-Eyed Susan cocktails, the Belmont Stakes has its own signature drink, the Belmont Jewel. It’s made from straight bourbon whiskey, lemonade, pomegranate juice, and lemon twist for garnish. It’s a great way to enjoy the day.

Know What You Can and Can’t Bring

Before you head to the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga, it’s important to know what you can and can’t bring to the track. Folding chairs and coolers no larger than 12” x 18” containing food and non-alcoholic beverages (limit one each per adult) are permitted in keeping with Saratoga tradition. Outside alcoholic beverages, umbrellas, and tents are among prohibited items.

See the full list of allowed and prohibited items here.