Belmont

[Coup Verville]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[GenuineRisk]

I'm wrong- looks like tickets ARE still available:

http://www.belmontstakes.com/story/2...-ticketmaster/

[asudevil]

Hope they have a team of plumbers go through there prior to the big day. '08 was ugly with people going "pishy" in the stairwells.

[Grey Lag]

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[Many Others]

forget all the knocks on the facility, it's huge - took the train out from the city last fall on a stakes weekend for the first time, no problems at all, there's a link on the NYRA page with all the timetables. of course it's going to be more than a little different on BEL day but just be prepared for large crowds like you would at any big sporting event, pack your own food and beverages (in plastic), don't bother with concessions.. you'll have a great time or at least one to remember !

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Grey Lag

I wouldn't go to Belmont on Belmont Stakes Day as the track really can't handle the huge crowds unless they have seriously improved the infrastructure since 2008.

I would go see Belmont Park when it is at its best. Like say 1965 or so.

So unless you have a time machine, stay home and ignore a chance at witnessing history?

What fans we have in this sport. Imagine people not going to see someone's 3000th hit because they didn't like the stadium?

If anyone was planning on going to the Belmont....go. I have been there many times for all sorts of big days and with the exception of Big Brown's Belmont (because it was 115 degrees all day) I had a great time.

[Grey Lag]

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[slotdirt]

I've been to Belmont for a Triple Crown try twice: in 2004 and 2008. In 2004, one could still bring in a case of beers and pick a spot out in the park to lounge all day, then head into the track as warranted. In 2008, it was 11,983 degrees and Nassau County decided to shut off the water at Belmont. Hijinks ensued.

Either way, of the three Triple Crown events, Belmont - even on days where there are 100k plus in attendance - is by far the most enjoyable from a spectating perspective. NYRA says more seats are going on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. Honestly, to the original poster, just get online, buy your seats (don't be cheap - the third floor clubhouse seats are a must), and take the train to the park. You won't regret it despite the naysayers in this thread.

[Dahoss]

Originally Posted by Grey Lag

Been to every Breeders Cup except 3, been to numerous Kentucky Derbies, Preaknesses, been to The Travers a bunch of times, to many Big Caps, as well as almost every top track in the country and I wouldn't go back to the Belmont Stakes again. But you are right that it would be nice to say that you were there to see IHA win the Triple Crown.

Was the 2008 Belmont the only Belmont stakes you have attended? I mean I get it....it was miserable that day. But Belmont can handle the crowd.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Grey Lag

I wouldn't go to Belmont on Belmont Stakes Day as the track really can't handle the huge crowds unless they have seriously improved the infrastructure since 2008.

I would go see Belmont Park when it is at its best. Like say 1965 or so.

Nonsense, Belmont is a huge facility that can handle the crowds. They had bathroom problems 1 or 2 years, but there should be no problems come Belmont Stakes day. I have been to every Belmont since 2004. That day was a bit crazy as the LIRR was not prepared for the amount of people taking the train, I am sure that will not happen this time.