Ultimate Guide: Preparing for an Unforgettable Experience at the 155th Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is scheduled to take place on June 10, 2023, at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. A total of 13 horses are expected to compete in the final leg of the Triple Crown Series. While the race will be televised on NBC Sports, allowing spectators from different parts of the country to witness the race, many avid fans also look forward to attending the race in person.

If you are planning to attend the 155th running of the Belmont Stakes, we have outlined the essential preparations to make the most of your first-time experience at the Test of the Champion.

Understanding the Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes is a race ran at a distance of 1 ½ miles, making it the longest race in the Triple Crown Series. It allows both three-year-old fillies and colts to compete, following events like the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. The race is also known as The Test of Champions and The Run for the Carnations.

The Belmont Stakes is one of the most highly attended sports events in the United States, with a significant viewership. The highest recorded viewership was in 2004 during the unexpected victory of Birdstone against the heavy favorite Smarty Jones.

Secretariat, the most notable thoroughbred, competed in the Test of the Champion. The chestnut colt holds the track record of 2:24, winning the 1973 Belmont Stakes and the coveted Triple Crown Series, America’s most sought-after horseracing trilogy.

Planning and Logistics

The Belmont Stakes offers various ticketing options for its audience. There are six choices to consider: General Admission, Top of the Stretch, Belmont Room, Box Seats, and The West Wing. General admission tickets can be purchased at the Clubhouse Gate and are the cheapest option, priced at $5.

The Top of the Stretch location provides access to a prime spot to witness your favorite thoroughbreds race down the wire. With this ticket, you may bring your own food and beverages.

For a more exclusive and luxurious experience, Belmont Room tickets are available, offering premium buffet offerings and a chance to mingle with celebrities. If you want to be close to the finish line, the boxed seats are the best option. The West Wing is a private space with access to a shared buffet at the Belmont Room.

Dress Code and Etiquette

Attendees of the Belmont Stakes are expected to dress in their best formal attire. Shoes and shirts are strictly required in the venue, and cut-offs, tank tops, and short shorts are not allowed in the general admission area.

Men are required to wear collared shirts in the Paddock and Winner’s Circle, and jackets are strongly encouraged in the boxed seats. For ladies, dresses, suits, and pants suits are allowed, while shorts and any abbreviated clothing are prohibited in the boxed seats and the Belmont Room.

Navigating the Venue

Belmont Park is easily accessible, with subway access available for those who cannot drive. The venue also provides ample parking space. Before heading to the venue, familiarize yourself with the Belmont Park layout. The full map is available on their website. Additionally, take note of key areas such as the betting windows, paddocks, and food vendors within the venue.

Betting Basics

If you are new to betting on horses at the Belmont Stakes, here are the basic types of bets you need to be familiar with:

• Win Bet: Pick a horse to win the race. If your horse finishes first, you win the bet.
• Place Bet: Pick a horse to finish either first or second.
• Show Bet: Pick a horse to finish in the top three places.
• Exacta: Pick two horses to finish first and second, in that exact order.
• Trifecta: Pick three horses to finish first, second, and third, in that exact order.
• Superfecta: Pick four horses to finish in the first four places, in that exact order.
• Quinella: Pick two horses to finish first and second, in any order.

Food and Refreshments

Just as the Kentucky Derby has the Mint Julep, the Belmont Stakes offers the Belmont Jewel Cocktail. It is a combination of pomegranate juice, lemonade, simple syrup, and bourbon. You can also try the signature food offerings at the Coors Light Food Truck Village, which features 15 vendors.

Takeaway

As the 155th running of this iconic race approaches, avid fans of the Belmont Stakes are eagerly anticipating the celebration of the Run for the Carnations winner. With a few days remaining until the big day, make sure you have considered all the necessary preparations to fully enjoy the last leg of the Triple Crown Series.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes