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<\/p>\nThe Belmont Park racetrack opened on Long Island in 1905, and is home to the final jewel of the Triple Crown.<\/p>\n
Now, the iconic sports venue is undergoing a major renovation that’s bringing 3,700 jobs to the region, and CBS News New York’s Carolyn Gusoff got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the progress.<\/p>\n
Renovating Belmont Park is the “chance of a lifetime” for a Long Island native<\/p>\n
The park made history when it opened with its impressive first grandstand. In 1968, it was replaced by a new massive structure.<\/p>\n
That grandstand was demolished more than a year ago. Now, rounding the backstretch, a new five-story grandstand is completely framed out. Its footprint is only a quarter of the size of the old one, but it can accommodate more than 50,000 people.<\/p>\n
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A new five-story grandstand is completely framed out at Belmont Park.<\/p>\n
CBS News New York<\/p>\n
Aecom Tishman COO Eric Reid, who grew up a stone’s throw from the racetrack, is in charge of building, backed by a $455 million state loan to the New York Racing Association (NYRA).<\/p>\n
“My family and I would come here and enjoy the races, enjoy great times together,” he said. “And to be able to build a mega project literally in your backyard is a chance of a lifetime.”<\/p>\n
The focus is on fans and families.<\/p>\n
“An amenity-driven concept rather than just large open spaces for seating for one race a year,” Reid said.<\/p>\n
What’s new at Belmont Park<\/p>\n
The new design has five times more green space, including a new backyard.<\/p>\n
“Taken to the next level. The paddock design is state-of-the-art. It’s beautiful,” Reid said.<\/p>\n
Pedestrian tunnels will open the infield to fans for the first time.<\/p>\n
“We’ve never had the ability to get fans out to the infield and … unlock that 20 acres now of usable space,” said Glen Kozak, with NYRA.<\/p>\n
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Belmont Park’s famed “big sandy” dirt track is being modernized, and NYRA has added two turf courses and a synthetic track for winter racing.<\/p>\n
CBS News New York<\/p>\n
Belmont’s famed “big sandy” dirt track is being modernized, and NYRA has added two turf courses and a synthetic track for winter racing. <\/p>\n
Because it is now going to be a year-round venue, there are more indoor\/outdoor options. Race viewing will no longer strictly be outside.<\/p>\n
One thing that’s not changing \u2014 its Japanese pine, still standing after more than a century as a reminder of Belmont’s deep roots. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Betting on the next generation, the new Belmont opens September 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n