Belmont

[Coup Verville]

Looking to go to the Belmont. Never been to the track. Willing to spend some good money to be near the action, but also have conveniences such as wagering and drinks(very important!!). Any suggestions??? Have to be able to see that race, though, the closer, the better.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Coup Verville

Looking to go to the Belmont. Never been to the track. Willing to spend some good money to be near the action, but also have conveniences such as wagering and drinks(very important!!). Any suggestions??? Have to be able to see that race, though, the closer, the better.

I think tickets are sold out by now. It'll be bedlam, but it's not terrible in the early part of the day. As a usual railbird on Belmont Stakes Day, I usually start trying to find a spot about 2 hours before the race because it gets packed in tight.

There are usually people selling tickets for reserved seats as you get off the Belmont Special train and walk to the gates, but I can't say if the tickets are always legit. I know a friend who paid $80 apiece that way for tickets on Smarty Jones' Belmont and the seats were for real, but you never know.

It's always a fun day, though. Highly recommend.

[Coup Verville]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[GenuineRisk]

I'm wrong- looks like tickets ARE still available:

http://www.belmontstakes.com/story/2...-ticketmaster/

[asudevil]

Hope they have a team of plumbers go through there prior to the big day. '08 was ugly with people going "pishy" in the stairwells.

[Grey Lag]

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[Many Others]

forget all the knocks on the facility, it's huge - took the train out from the city last fall on a stakes weekend for the first time, no problems at all, there's a link on the NYRA page with all the timetables. of course it's going to be more than a little different on BEL day but just be prepared for large crowds like you would at any big sporting event, pack your own food and beverages (in plastic), don't bother with concessions.. you'll have a great time or at least one to remember !

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Grey Lag

I wouldn't go to Belmont on Belmont Stakes Day as the track really can't handle the huge crowds unless they have seriously improved the infrastructure since 2008.

I would go see Belmont Park when it is at its best. Like say 1965 or so.

So unless you have a time machine, stay home and ignore a chance at witnessing history?

What fans we have in this sport. Imagine people not going to see someone's 3000th hit because they didn't like the stadium?

If anyone was planning on going to the Belmont....go. I have been there many times for all sorts of big days and with the exception of Big Brown's Belmont (because it was 115 degrees all day) I had a great time.

[Grey Lag]

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[slotdirt]

I've been to Belmont for a Triple Crown try twice: in 2004 and 2008. In 2004, one could still bring in a case of beers and pick a spot out in the park to lounge all day, then head into the track as warranted. In 2008, it was 11,983 degrees and Nassau County decided to shut off the water at Belmont. Hijinks ensued.

Either way, of the three Triple Crown events, Belmont - even on days where there are 100k plus in attendance - is by far the most enjoyable from a spectating perspective. NYRA says more seats are going on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. Honestly, to the original poster, just get online, buy your seats (don't be cheap - the third floor clubhouse seats are a must), and take the train to the park. You won't regret it despite the naysayers in this thread.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Grey Lag

Been to every Breeders Cup except 3, been to numerous Kentucky Derbies, Preaknesses, been to The Travers a bunch of times, to many Big Caps, as well as almost every top track in the country and I wouldn't go back to the Belmont Stakes again. But you are right that it would be nice to say that you were there to see IHA win the Triple Crown.

Was the 2008 Belmont the only Belmont stakes you have attended? I mean I get it....it was miserable that day. But Belmont can handle the crowd.

[slotdirt]

Originally Posted by Dahoss

Was the 2008 Belmont the only Belmont stakes you have attended? I mean I get it....it was miserable that day. But Belmont can handle the crowd.

Even with the water issues and my aversion to heat, I loved the 2008 Belmont, though that was like 34 percent because it was the first time I'd seen grown women peeing in public urinals with regularity and 66 percent because I got to see IAEH and Dutrow suck it. I wish I could physically be there this year even if it's just to watch Reddam and O'Neill suck it, broken lavatories and all.

[MaTH716]

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a big fan of huge huge crowds. For many years I stayed away from Haskell (my home track), just cause I didn't want to deal with it. Same thing with Belmont, but now I'm starting to see the light.

This is a chance to see history. I have heard countless stories on this board from people that were there when Smarty Jones came into the stretch with the lead. They talk about the roar that went up and how the hairs on the back of their neck stood up. I can only imagne what that was like. I remember being at the Haskell when Rachael won, and the feeling I got when she took the lead and headed for home. I figue that feeling will be x1000 at Belmont.

I consider myself a big fan and have always wanted to see a TC winner. I was to young to remember Slew. I remember watching countless horses on TV trying to accomplish the feat and being so disappointed when they failed. I'm fortunate enough to live in the area and have the opportunity to go. It's time I finally made the trip. Just deal with whatever is thrown at you as far as traffic, lines, crowds, bad beats and so on. And at the end of the day, hopefully history is made and I was there to witness it.

[FGFan]

Was there for Big Brown year, we didn't even know there was a bathroom issue until someone told us.
Will be there again this year. I had a fabulous time in 2008 and know I'll have a fabulous time in 2012, however it ends up. Plus it helps to have a Manhattanite friend who went out to Aqueduct yesterday and got us tickets, even though we don't really need the seats, but just in case. It's going to be a fantastic time!!!

[Antitrust32]

I've lost my shoes at belmont park when there was a triple crown on the line. But we really dont need to talk about that...

[parsixfarms]

Others have covered transportation from the city. If you are coming via car, I recommend parking in the "Green" lot off the Cross Island, and taking the shuttle bus into the track. If you stay for any of the races after the Belmont, it's not too bad getting back out to the lot via the shuttle buses, and the police have done a good job limiting traffic in the inside lanes of the Northbound Cross Island Parkway after the race, making it far easier to get out than if you park in a lot that forces you to get onto Hempstead Turnpike.

[slotdirt]

I believe we waited maybe an hour at most for the train back after the '08 Triple Crown try, but the crowd that day was @20k smaller than 2004, where I drove off with hardly any traffic at all. I'd definitely recommend the train if it's an option.

[slotdirt]

Also, one can bring all the food they'd like into the track on Belmont day. I think one can even bring non-alcoholic beverages into the track. Just in case folks are looking to save a few duchats.

[Port Conway Lane]

Can folding chairs be brought in ?

[slotdirt]

I believe folding chairs are allowed in the park area.