First-time Belmont Stakes Trip

[XIIPointStables]

Wanted to get some advice on making the trip to the Belmont Stakes this year.

There is a group of about six of us and we we're debating just getting seats in the backyard or getting reserved seating.

Is it like Saratoga where if you're not there at 5AM on Travers day you can't get a table or a spot?

Thanks for any help/advice.

[Sightseek]

Depends if there is a Triple Crown on the line.

If there is none, the track is so spacious you don't have to worry about it.

NYRA sent out an e-mail this morning about their new Belmont Stakes website, this might help you further:

http://www.belmontstakes.com/

[XIIPointStables]

Yeah, they sent me a ticket form, but the group I'm with wants to go the backyard route and just scalp tickets if we need to.

[geeker2]

Don't Valet your car!

[pmacdaddy]

I put in for tickets for the Belmont. Does anyone know when they are being mailed?

Thanks

[smuthg]

Originally Posted by pmacdaddy

I put in for tickets for the Belmont. Does anyone know when they are being mailed?

Thanks

I made my request a couple weeks before the Derby and the email response I received indicated that they were trying to get them out by the Preakness, but I haven't received anything...

[smuthg]

Originally Posted by pmacdaddy

I put in for tickets for the Belmont. Does anyone know when they are being mailed?

Thanks

I got an email last night letting me know that I had seats, so I assume they are being mailed soon.

[XIIPointStables]

Cardus thanks.

My friend was able to find seats in the upper tier, 3Q, Row T (they said that was 2nd row of the upper tier, we'll see) for like $30 each. Figured that was a good deal. Labeled "Preferred Grandstand" whatever that means.

Any other tips or suggestions for the day are welcome!

[Lava]

I am sitting in 3Q row s seats 19 and 20

[pmacdaddy]

Originally Posted by XIIPointStables

Cardus thanks.

My friend was able to find seats in the upper tier, 3Q, Row T (they said that was 2nd row of the upper tier, we'll see) for like $30 each. Figured that was a good deal. Labeled "Preferred Grandstand" whatever that means.

Any other tips or suggestions for the day are welcome!

That section is a good spot. Face value is $65 and includes clubhouse admission. We are sitting one section over in 3P (1-8). We also sat there for Breeders Cup and thought it was just fine. Enjoy!

[XIIPointStables]

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like my Yankee Fan friend did okay. But of an upset there.

If I were sending someone to Saratoga, I might mention to them to of course eat at Carolina BBQ. And if they'd already sampled the fine food there, grab a Hattie's sandwich.

Is there a must-eat at place at Belmont?

[pmacdaddy]

Nothing on track to rave about in my opinion.

I did have a stuffed veal chop at King Umberto's last Saturday that was absolutely out of this world. Baked clams there get the full 4 stars as well...

[SniperSB23]

Anywhere that DTers are meeting up tomorrow? I've decided to make the trip down.

[pointman]

Originally Posted by Cardus

You admit to this publicly?

Brave man, brave man!

It could be worse, I could be a 7 foot over protective Italian who is anti-gambling/alcohol.

Originally Posted by XIIPointStables

I'm going to bump this as a buddy and I have committed to go this year. It will be out first trip to Belmont.

RE: Tickets. There are three levels as best as I can tell: Second, Third and Upper Third.

Does anyone have a real passionate plea as to what is the best level?

Belmont Park is a great racetrack which is a tremendous place to see. The level really is irrelevant as the view is terrific regardless, the closer to the finish line the better.

Enjoy it, without a triple crown on the line Belmont Stakes day is one of the more enjoyable days you can have Belmont Park, the facility is huge and will easily handle the crowd on hand making it a great racetrack experience!