What to Know About the 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course
Save the Date for June 4 - 8, 2025
The Belmont Stakes has a rich history in American horse racing, and is a part of the prestigious Triple Crown. Here's what you need to know about the 2025 Belmont Stakes and Belmont Stakes Racing Festival being held in Saratoga Springs, NY, this June.
Plan Ahead for the 2025 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course
The 2025 Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, June 7. The five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will run from Wednesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 8.
The Belmont Stakes, named for August Belmont, is the oldest Triple Crown event, preceding the Preakness and Kentucky Derby. Established in 1867, it ranks as the third oldest race in North America. Legendary moments like Secretariat's record-breaking victory and Justify's wire-to-wire win as the 13th Triple Crown champion highlight its significance. Each year brings new storylines and intrigue with this year promising to build on the event's legacy.
The 157th edition of the Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets will feature a $2,000,000 purse.
*Note that there will be no changes to Saratoga's traditional 40-day summer meet, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 10 through Monday, September 1, 2025.
Key Information for the 2025 Belmont Stakes & Belmont Stakes Racing Festival
2025 Post Times & Gate Times
Wednesday, June 4
- Gates Open: 11:00 a.m.
- First Post Time: 12:40 p.m.
Thursday, June 5
- Gates Open: 11:00 a.m.
- First Post Time: 12:40 p.m.
Friday, June 6
- Gates Open: 10:00 a.m.
- First Post Time: 11:40 a.m.
Saturday, June 7 (Belmont Stakes Day)
- Gates Open: 9:00 a.m.
- First Post Time: 10:45 a.m.
Sunday, June 8
- Gates Open: 11:00 a.m.
- First Post Time: 12:40 p.m.
Ticket Details
All tickets are sold through Ticketmaster.com or through the NYRA Box Office, and are sold at face value.
General admission tickets for Belmont Stakes Day are $75 for adults and $20 for children (ages 4-12).
On Friday, June 6, admission is $30 for adults and $10 on other festival days, with free entry for children 12 and under.
General admission includes access to the backyard, picnic tables, and apron. Fans can also purchase a five-day general admission bundle for $120, saving over 10%.
2025 Special Events & Highlights
Wednesday, June 4: New York Showcase Day & Opening Celebrations
The festivities begin with New York Showcase Day, spotlighting the talent of New York-bred horses. Arrive early — the first 10,000 guests will receive a complimentary “I Love NY-Breds” cap.
The day’s schedule features the Beverly R. Steinman steeplechase and six stakes exclusively for state-breds. Guests can also enjoy live music from the Mendelssohn Club of Albany, explore the Taste NY Pavilion, and sip Casamigos margaritas. That evening, downtown Saratoga comes alive with Belmont on Broadway, a free concert headlined by the Gin Blossoms.
Thursday, June 5: Stakes Action & G-Eazy Downtown
The Intercontinental and Poker stakes headline Thursday’s card, along with the juvenile Tremont and Astoria races. Off the track, guests can admire a 1936 Ford Phaeton once owned by FDR and celebrate the National Museum of Racing’s 75th anniversary.
Taste NY returns for another day of local samplings. At night, the party moves downtown for Revel at the Races, a high-energy event with live music from G-Eazy.
Friday, June 6: International Flair & Opera Performances
Friday brings global excitement with the Belmont Gold Cup, a race that grants entry into Australia’s Melbourne Cup. Six graded stakes — including four Grade 1s — pack the schedule.
Fans can pose with the Melbourne Cup trophy, enjoy opera performances by Opera Saratoga, and sample local spirits from official Festival partners. The Garland Nelson Band will perform live at the track.
Saturday, June 7: Belmont Stakes Day
The week’s biggest day features the 157th running of the $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets. Eight stakes races, including Breeders’ Cup qualifiers, make up an action-filled card.
Guests can experience the West Point Parachute Jump, patriotic performances, and a fashion photo contest. The Taste NY Pavilion transforms into a full-service New York-only bar, while Nymbis and Ill Funk bring live music to the Purdy’s Summer Music Stage.
Sunday, June 8: Closing Day & Local Favorites
The Festival wraps up with the Grade 3 Soaring Softly and the Jersey Girl stakes. The first 5,000 guests will receive a collectible Belmont Stakes enamel pin. Visitors can enjoy live performances by the Racing City Chorus, morning training sessions at the Oklahoma track, and continued food and drink samplings at the Taste NY Pavilion.
Throughout the week, fans can explore pop-up exhibits, enjoy giveaways, and take in the full Saratoga experience at one of the country’s most iconic racecourses.
2025 Racetrack Policies
The New York Racing Association, Inc. has shared the policies for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. See a full breakdown below.
Items Allowed on All Festival Days
The following items are permitted throughout the festival:
- Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Folding chairs (limit one per person)
- Coolers up to 12" x 18" in size (one per guest)
- Baby or diaper bags (must contain childcare supplies and accompany a child)
- Bags and purses no larger than 16" x 16" x 8"
- Binoculars
- Cell phones and tablets (subject to screening)
- Seat cushions
- Small cameras with detachable lenses no more than 6 inches
- Strollers (only when used for transporting a child)
- Sunscreen
- Personal-sized umbrellas
Special Allowances for Wednesday, June 4 and Sunday, June 8
On these two dates only, the following additional items will also be allowed:
- Outside alcohol (must be in non-glass containers)
- Folding tables
- Pop-up tents
- Hand carts and wagons
Items Not Allowed at Any Time During the Festival
The following are prohibited during all festival dates:
- Aerosol products
- Air horns or other noise-making devices
- Animals (excluding service animals)
- Devices that may interfere with or distract participants
- Flammable liquids
- Backpacks
- Bags larger than 16" x 16" x 8"
- Cameras with detachable lenses longer than 6 inches
- Video or audio recording devices
- Confetti or glitter
- Drones or remote-controlled flying devices
- Fireworks
- Glass or aluminum bottles
- Grills or lighter fluid
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Laser pointers or similar devices
- Poles, staffs, or sticks
- Skateboards, hoverboards, and recreational vehicle devices (ADA-approved devices are permitted)
- Sports equipment (including balls and frisbees)
- Tripods and professional-grade camera equipment
- Weapons of any kind (including firearms, knives, mace, or pepper spray)
Are you ready for the Belmont Stakes' return to Saratoga Springs?
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