News
October 15, 2025
Populous and Partners Celebrate Topping Out of the New Belmont Park
Populous, in collaboration with the New York Racing Association (NYRA), AECOM Tishman and project partners, celebrated the topping out of the new Belmont Park, a major milestone in the multi-year redevelopment of one of horse racing’s most historic venues.
The topping out marks the completion of the venue’s structural frame, symbolized by the placement of its highest steel beam, and signifies steady progress toward completing the 300,000-square-foot, five-story clubhouse that will redefine the modern racing experience while honoring the legacy of Belmont Park.
The redevelopment will transform Belmont into a world-class racing and entertainment destination, integrating 21st-century technology, state-of-the-art amenities and expansive public green space to create a venue that reflects both the future of the sport and the cultural fabric of New York.
"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."
The new Populous-designed Belmont Park will provide differentiated hospitality offerings and enhanced fan amenities, creating a flexible, modern environment that serves guests, owners, trainers, jockeys and the surrounding community. Beyond the clubhouse and grandstand, the project unlocks access to the infield through new pedestrian and vehicular tunnels, delivering five times more publicly accessible green space and introducing new ways for people to experience the site year-round.
The redevelopment is expected to generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Upon completion, the venue will produce $155 million in annual economic output and $10 million in new state and local tax revenue each year.
"Today’s milestone is a testament to the dedicated efforts of the construction personnel on-site, the NYRA team, and the expertise of our partners at AECOM Tishman and Populous. Because of their work, a new Belmont Park is coming to Long Island in 2026."
Construction will continue through 2025, with the new Belmont Park set to open for live racing in September 2026. The Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets will return to Long Island in 2027, followed by the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, marking the event’s first appearance in New York since 2005.
A New Era for an American Icon
When complete, Belmont Park will feature four racing surfaces, including a newly built one-mile Tapeta track, and the most advanced irrigation and drainage systems in the industry. Every aspect of the redevelopment reflects Populous’ commitment to designing experiences that connect people to place and creating destinations where history, innovation and community converge.
From the historic paddock to the canopy-covered grandstand, the new Belmont Park will usher in a new era for one of America’s most iconic sporting venues.
For more on our work with Belmont Park, click here.
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