New York horse racing is undergoing a major structural shift in 2026, highlighted by the scheduled opening of a reimagined Belmont Park this September and the permanent closure of Aqueduct Racetrack later this summer, according to the New York Racing Association (NYRA). The $450 million redevelopment project replaces the historic, quarter-mile-long grandstand with a modern 250,000-square-foot facility designed for year-round racing and events.
Belmont Park Rebuild Timeline and Features
The construction effort at Belmont Park is advancing toward a soft opening scheduled for September 2026, according to NYRA President Dave O’Rourke. Speaking in a phone interview on Jan. 7, 2026, O’Rourke stated that workers are wrapping the third floor in glass and sealing it, while all tracks are complete. The initial September launch will open the first two floors to fans, with the upper three floors slated for completion ahead of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in June 2027.
The updated layout features a smaller grandstand footprint—roughly one-third the size of the previous structure—surrounded by expanded green space and infield tunnels that grant public access to the course interior for the first time. The facility encompasses a rebuilt 1 1/2-mile main track known as Big Sandy, two turf courses, and a new one-mile synthetic training and racing track built to support winter operations.
Aqueduct Racetrack Closure Schedule
The consolidation of downstate racing operations means the closure of Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, which has hosted all NYRA racing outside of Saratoga since the fall of 2023 during the Belmont construction. According to NYRA announcements, Aqueduct will host its final race card on June 28, 2026. Following that date, all downstate racing will permanently relocate to the new Belmont Park.
The transition resolves capacity issues associated with the old Belmont grandstand, which lacked modern amenities and drew sparse crowds outside of marquee events. The new facility includes at least 31 luxury suites on its upper floors, contrasting with zero suites in the old structure. NYRA also plans to install temporary seating on either side of the grandstand to accommodate large crowds for the Belmont Stakes and the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which return to NYRA for the first time in 22 years.
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