Belmont

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Grey Lag]

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[slotdirt]

I don't get how someone can't be a fan of the Belmont facility (unless the only other facilities they've been to are like Del Mar and Saratoga). Seriously, Belmont Park kills every other track I've been to, Churchill included.

[alysheba4]

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.

was there 2004, finish line 2nd level. wasnt bad, 126k there was equal 20 50k at santa anita. getting the train to the city was another story.

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by alysheba4

was there 2004, finish line 2nd level. wasnt bad, 126k there was equal 20 50k at santa anita. getting the train to the city was another story.

Holy sh*t; you ain't kidding. The trip back was a major pain in the neck. I think we stood in line for 90 minutes before getting on one.

We were up against the rail- we got in position a few hours before the race. Our feet were killing us by the time it was all over.

[pointman]

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.

Nonsense, Belmont is a huge facility that can handle the crowds. They had bathroom problems 1 or 2 years, but there should be no problems come Belmont Stakes day. I have been to every Belmont since 2004. That day was a bit crazy as the LIRR was not prepared for the amount of people taking the train, I am sure that will not happen this time.