If you haven’t driven down the Hempstead Turnpike lately, you're in for a shock. The old, sprawling concrete giant that defined the border of Nassau County and Queens for decades is basically gone. Most people still think of Belmont Long Island NY as that dusty, cavernous racetrack where your grandfather went to bet on the ponies and complain about the traffic. Honestly? That version of Belmont is dead.
What’s replacing it is a $1.3 billion bet on the future of New York entertainment. It's not just a racetrack anymore. We’re talking about a massive, year-round "sports and entertainment destination" that includes a luxury shopping village, a state-of-the-art hockey arena, and a completely rebuilt grandstand that looks more like a modern glass sculpture than a horse stable.
The Massive Rebuild of Belmont Long Island NY
The biggest misconception is that they just gave the place a fresh coat of paint. Nope. They tore the whole thing down. The original 1.25 million-square-foot grandstand—which was, frankly, way too big for modern crowds—has been replaced by a much tighter, 275,000-square-foot building. It’s smarter. It’s "winterized," which is a fancy way of saying we can actually watch racing in January without losing a toe to frostbite.
Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York Racing Association (NYRA) basically realized that if they didn't modernize, the sport was going to die. This new facility, designed by the architects at Populous (the same people who did the crazy new stadiums in London and Las Vegas), is built for the "Instagram generation." There are sweeping glass balconies, a level-5 outdoor terrace with views that stretch way past the track, and for the first time ever, tunnels that let fans walk into the 45-acre infield.
Why the 2026 Season is the Real Turning Point
If you're planning a trip, circle September 11, 2026, on your calendar. That is the official target date for the grand opening. Now, the Belmont Stakes—the third leg of the Triple Crown—is expected to return to its home in June 2026, even if the building isn't 100% finished. But the full "new" experience starts that fall.
There’s a lot of talk about the Breeders' Cup coming back too. It hasn't been in New York since 2005 because the old infrastructure was literally falling apart. The new setup includes four different racing surfaces, including a one-mile Tapeta synthetic track. This is huge because it allows for safe racing in bad weather, something the old dirt track just couldn't handle.
It’s Not Just About the Horses Anymore
You can't talk about Belmont Long Island NY without mentioning UBS Arena. It’s been open a few years now, but it’s finally finding its groove as the heartbeat of the site. It’s home to the New York Islanders, but the concert lineup for 2026 is actually wild. We're talking about artists like Twice, Maná, and even the "Life Is A Highway" tour with Rascal Flatts.
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The acoustics in there are legitimately some of the best in the country. They built it specifically for music first, hockey second. If you've ever been to a show at the old Nassau Coliseum or even MSG, you know how muddy the sound can get. UBS is crisp. It’s also surprisingly easy to get to now that the Elmont-UBS Arena Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station is fully operational. You can hop a train from Grand Central or Penn Station and be there in about 30 minutes.
Shopping at Belmont Park Village
This is the part that surprises the "locals" the most. Tucked right next to the arena is Belmont Park Village. It’s part of the Bicester Collection—the same people who run those high-end luxury outlets in Europe. It’s not your average mall. It’s an open-air, "boutique-style" village with over 150 brands.
Think names like:
- AllSaints and Coach
- John Varvatos
- Longchamp
- Missoni
- Lacoste
It’s got this weirdly peaceful vibe for being right off the Cross Island Parkway. They even have "hands-free shopping" where you buy stuff at the boutiques and a concierge carries it to your car or holds it for you while you go to a game or a race. It’s very "Gold Coast" luxury transported to the Elmont border.
Where to Eat (Because Stadium Food Usually Sucks)
Forget the soggy hot dogs of the 90s. The dining scene around Belmont Long Island NY has actually become a reason to visit on its own. Inside the Village, there's a place called Hundredfold, which is a New American brasserie from James Beard Award-winner Timothy Hollingsworth. If you want something faster, there’s a Pret A Manger (the first one on Long Island, surprisingly) and Le Botaniste.
If you're inside UBS Arena, they’ve leaned heavily into local favorites. You can get a decent chicken parm hero or high-end sushi, though be prepared to pay "stadium prices." Pro tip: the Belmont Park Garage offers complimentary parking for Village guests, which is a life-saver because parking for Islanders games can cost a fortune.
The "Local" Truth: Is It Worth the Trip?
Let’s be real for a second. For years, this area was a construction zone and a headache. But now that the pieces are falling into place, it’s actually becoming a functional hub. The Japanese White Pine—the iconic tree that stood in the old paddock—was carefully protected during all the demolition and will still be the centerpiece of the new saddling area. It's a nice nod to the history in a place that feels very "future."
The consolidation of racing at Belmont means Aqueduct in Queens will eventually close and be redeveloped. This makes Belmont the undisputed capital of New York racing. Whether you care about horses or not, the sheer amount of green space being added is a win. They’re turning 45 acres of the infield into accessible parkland for the community.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
If you're driving, the Cross Island Parkway is still... well, the Cross Island. It’s tight and can be a nightmare during rush hour.
- Take the LIRR. Seriously. The new Elmont station has a shuttle that runs continuously to the Village and the Arena.
- Arrive early. If you’re going for a show, hit the Village first for dinner. It beats sitting in traffic on the Hempstead Turnpike.
- Use the "Blue Light" system. If you're wandering the grounds at night, the new security upgrades are top-tier.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Schedule: Don't just show up. Racing is currently dark or at Aqueduct until the 2026 reopening. Check the NYRA website for the exact date the first horse hits the new Belmont dirt.
- Book the "Hands-Free" Service: If you’re shopping at the Village before a concert, tell the concierge. They will literally deliver your bags to the arena or store them so you don't have to lug a new Coach bag into the mosh pit.
- Download the App: Both UBS Arena and the Bicester Collection have apps that track parking availability and LIRR times.
- Infield Access: Once the tunnels open in late 2026, bring a blanket. The "new" Belmont is designed for people to actually hang out on the grass, not just sit in plastic chairs.
The transformation of Belmont Long Island NY is finally moving from "blueprints" to "reality." It’s no longer just a place for a three-minute race once a year; it’s a legitimate destination that's finally caught up to the 21st century.