New York Construction Report staff writer
Construction crews placed the final beam Tuesday on the new Belmont Park, marking a major milestone in the multi-year redevelopment project to create a racing and entertainment complex in Elmont.
The project is expected to reopen for live racing in September 2026, with the Belmont Stakes returning to the venue in 2027 after three years at Saratoga Race Course. The redevelopment will also host the 2027 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the first time the event returns to New York State since 2005.
“For more than 125 years, AECOM Tishman has led iconic developments that have transformed the way New Yorkers live, work and compete, and the reconstruction of Belmont Park is another exciting chapter in that storied legacy,” said AECOM Tishman New York Region Chief Operating Officer Eric Reid. “With support from Governor Hochul and the New York Racing Association, today’s topping out ceremony reinforces our team’s commitment to creating a world-class sports and entertainment destination on Long Island that reflects the state’s position as the international capital of horse racing.
“With state-of-the-art amenities including a new five-story grandstand and five times more green space, this one-of-a-kind campus will fuel the Empire State’s economic engines and greatly enhance the experience for generations of racing fans, both close to home and around the world.”
The $1 billion construction project is projected to generate 3,700 construction-related jobs. Once operational, Belmont Park is expected to produce $155 million in annual economic output and approximately $10 million in new state and local tax revenue each year.
The project includes a new five-story grandstand and expanded green space, aiming to enhance the fan experience and support the local economy.
“It has been an honor working side by side with NYRA, AECOM Tishman, and all our partners to bring this vision to life, and we congratulate the team on this milestone achievement,” said Populous Principal and Senior Architect Meg McWilliam said. “We’re proud to be part of a project that sets the new standard for racing facilities globally and look forward to welcoming racing back to Belmont next fall.”
Belmont Park, located on Long Island, has been a central venue for thoroughbred racing for decades, and the redevelopment aims to modernize the facility while accommodating both racing and non-racing events.
