Belmont

[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.

[Coup Verville]

Originally Posted by 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.

Thank you with the specifics, being that I've never been to Belmont, it's what I needed. Just bought 3rd floor, row A seats. My next dilemma is where to stay, you mentioned taking a train???

[3kings]

Originally Posted by Coup Verville

Thank you with the specifics, being that I've never been to Belmont, it's what I needed. Just bought 3rd floor, row A seats. My next dilemma is where to stay, you mentioned taking a train???

The Long Island Railroad (LIR) will have many trains going to Belmont Park. You can pick it up at Penn Station.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by Coup Verville

Thank you with the specifics, being that I've never been to Belmont, it's what I needed. Just bought 3rd floor, row A seats. My next dilemma is where to stay, you mentioned taking a train???

Coup, if your little profile on the right side of the screen is correct, and you live in VA, are you planning on driving or taking a train to NYC?

If you plan on coming in the day before and are driving, you might want to look for a hotel in Queens (shorter drive to the track on Saturday). If you're planning on taking Amtrak, you'd probably want a hotel in Manhattan, so you can take the Belmont Special from Penn Station on Saturday.

[XIIPointStables]

Very helpful info guys/gals.

I see the gates open at 815AM on Belmont Stakes Day. Should I assume that people will be lined up outside earlier than that to get good space in the backyard?

[slotdirt]

Unless you want a rail spot or a place next to the paddock, there's no need to be there at 8:15, at least in my opinion.

[XIIPointStables]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Unless you want a rail spot or a place next to the paddock, there's no need to be there at 8:15, at least in my opinion.

Thanks Slot. Trying to figure out what time to get there if we just do GA.

[slotdirt]

There will be a lot of people there, don't get me wrong, but hardly the mass of humanity seen at the Derby. Belmont Park is massive.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by XIIPointStables

Very helpful info guys/gals.

I see the gates open at 815AM on Belmont Stakes Day. Should I assume that people will be lined up outside earlier than that to get good space in the backyard?

They'll be running for spots on the rail. There's usually space in the backyard throughout the day. That's where all the food is, too.

[Coup Verville]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

Coup, if your little profile on the right side of the screen is correct, and you live in VA, are you planning on driving or taking a train to NYC?

If you plan on coming in the day before and are driving, you might want to look for a hotel in Queens (shorter drive to the track on Saturday). If you're planning on taking Amtrak, you'd probably want a hotel in Manhattan, so you can take the Belmont Special from Penn Station on Saturday.

We'll probably drive in from VA. And, we might come in Wednesday or Thursday, since we've never been to NYC.

I just want to say that I really appreciate everyone's feedback. We're really excited, as I'm sure everyone else is.

Gregg