Elmont, NY - May 6, 2015 - The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) announced an all-star lineup for the 2015 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Headlining the entertainment will be performances by the acclaimed artists GOO GOO DOLLS, and O.A.R.
The festival kicks off on Thursday, June 4, and runs through Saturday, June 6, highlighted by the 147th running of the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes, the oldest and longest leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.
“We have built an expanded three-day festival featuring the very best in racing, hospitality and entertainment all designed to offer our guests from around the world an unparalleled experience at beautiful Belmont Park,” said New York Racing Association Chief Executive Officer and President Christopher Kay. “Our new concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings and an expanded array of hospitality options complement our racing lineup, which features 17 graded stakes races and more than $10 million in purses. We encourage our fans to purchase their tickets in advance and secure their place for New York’s traditional kick-off to the summer season.”
Friday, June 5
For the first time, the New York Racing Association will host a special Belmont Stakes Eve concert. Following Friday’s final race, a stage will be set up near the winner’s circle, where fans will enjoy a performance by platinum-selling recording artists O.A.R. The Maryland natives have a loyal and passionate fan base, and are best known for their hits “Shattered” and “Peace.”
Walk-up general admission for Friday, June 5, will be $15 for non-NYRA Rewards members and $10 for NYRA Rewards members until 3 p.m. Walk-up admission after 3 p.m. Friday, June 5, will be $30. NYRA Rewards members must present their rewards card at time of entry. Friday’s performance by O.A.R. is included with paid admission.
For advance purchase of tickets, click here. Tickets for Grandstand reserved seats, which include admission, will be available starting on Wednesday at 1 p.m. for $25. General Admission tickets will also be available for advance purchase.
Saturday, June 6
Scheduled entertainment on Saturday, June 6, will include musicians from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, who will perform the National Anthem to start the day’s entertainment. They will also conduct a special musical tribute to the men and women of the United States Military Academy just prior to the running of the Met Mile, later that afternoon.
Guests will also enjoy a trackside musical performance from the Tony award-winning Broadway musical JERSEY BOYS, one of Broadway’s most popular and enduring performances. JERSEY BOYS tells the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons; a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks who became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty.
Saturday’s main musical performance will feature the GOO GOO DOLLS, led by Buffalo, New York’s own Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac. Holding the record (14) for the most Top 10 singles on Billboard/BDS Adult Top 40 Chart, the GOO GOO DOLLS have sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.
The GOO GOO DOLLS will perform a short set between the Grade 1 Manhattan and the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes. Following the completion of Saturday’s race card, the GOO GOO DOLLS will also lead a special concert near the winner’s circle featuring many of their top hits, providing another reason for guests to stay and enjoy.
Capped Attendance for Saturday, June 6
Paid attendance for Saturday’s event will be capped at 90,000 for Saturday, June 6.
This step is similar to the policies and practices of professional sports teams, and will not only result in an enhanced experience for Belmont guests, but will further improve access to and from the Belmont property on Saturday. It will also complement Saturday’s post-race concert, which is anticipated to further stagger the exit from the Belmont property following the final race – giving guests another reason to stay and enjoy the GOO GOO DOLLS on Saturday evening.
Advance general admission for Saturday is still available for $15, and includes the featured post-race Belmont Stakes Day concert. Bundled Clubhouse seating and hospitality packages for Friday and Saturday’s championship racing are also still available, providing greater excitement and value than ever before. Additionally, all fans purchasing a reserved seat for Belmont Stakes Day will also receive complimentary general admission for July’s Stars & Stripes Racing Festival, featuring internationally themed championship turf racing.
For more information on the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival or to purchase admission, seating or hospitality packages, please click here, or call 1-844-NYRA-TIX.
New Security Protocols
The New York Racing Association specifically encourages guests traveling to and from Belmont Park to plan ahead and give themselves plenty of extra time to arrive and depart the property throughout the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
All Belmont entrances will be for ticketed patrons only and cash will not be accepted at entry points. However, patrons who do not have pre-purchased tickets can buy them at nearby ticket booths located adjacent to each entrance, while supplies last. NYRA strongly encourages guests to pre-purchase tickets in order to speed up entry into Belmont Park.
Guests are also strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with our enhanced security policies for Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6. A full list of prohibited and permitted items can be reviewed online.
All guests are subject to magnetic screening upon entering the grounds. Guests attempting to enter the Clubhouse, Grandstand or the Backyard with prohibited items will be asked to return those items to their vehicles or dispose of them. No storage will be provided for guests arriving with, or attempting to enter with prohibited items.
About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)
Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, the New York Racing Association’s mission is “Meeting the highest standards in thoroughbred racing and equine safety.” With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State’s thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy.
In 2014, more than 1.7 million people attended live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totaled more than $10 million. For more information, click here.