Anyone going to Belmont? Advice for first timer, please

I've never been, but sort of want to go.

Is it going to be crazy since there could be a Triple Crown? Any advice at all, even if it's to stay away , is 100% welcome!

Thank you

Re: Anyone going to Belmont? Advice for first timer, please

I go every year but I won't go this year since its a triple crown.. its so much fun but it will be insane there.. last time I went for a triple crown there was a lot of fights and it was crazy. go early to get a good spot!! Have fun

Re: Anyone going to Belmont? Advice for first timer, please

I'm unable to go this year, but I have many times in the past, and I will in the future. My Dad is there all the time too, so I can probably give you a few tips:

Well....if you want to wear what most of the ladies are wearing, go for a dress and floppy hat.

No, but, seriously....I wouldn't say avoid it. Although it's going to be a pain when you first get there, I'd suggest parking in the far parking lot. (It's basically on the south side of Hempstead Turnpike right off of the Cross Island.) At the end of the day, when everyone is fighting to get out, you'll be able to hop on the parkway. There are usually buses that bring people to their cars too.

The last time there was a Triple Crown possibility, all of the bathrooms at Belmont broke for awhile because the bathrooms couldn't handle all of the people. They are expecting 100,000 to 120,000 people this year. If that happens, don't freak out. Go outside. There are plenty of real bathrooms there too. I forgot about this at first, and I wound up on a huge line because everyone was racing for the bathroom.

Aside from that...just have fun!

Re: Anyone going to Belmont? Advice for first timer, please

We go every year. The PP is right, the plumbing couldn't handle the crowds when Big Brown was running for the triple crown. Hopefully they've learned from that though.

If you plan on going into the clubhouse, you need to pay attention to the dress code. But I suggest wearing shoes you're comfy walking in, or bringing a pair of flip flops with you to walk in if your shoes start to hurt. I can't tell you how many girls I see limping by the end of the day because they didn't realize how much standing/walking there would be.

If you don't have tickets, you can't sit in the stands. You can attempt to stand in the apron area, but I wouldn't. I'm not a fan of being a sardine. Here's what it looked like in 2008



Insane, right? And this was during the post parade so it got even more packed by the start of the race.

We always stay for the last race since most folks leave right after the Stakes race. That also helps with getting out of the lot.

We usually bring a cooler bag with snacks and ice water so we don't have to stand in the concession lines too. DH is a serious handicapper so we don't drink alcohol, which helps with bathroom trips/dehydration/being stupid etc. If you bring a cooler, you can't bring glass/alcohol in it. If you have seats you can't bring a cooler into it, but we've always done fine with a small cooler bag.

We do the parking like JAAMS stated, we never have had issues getting out. Yeah, it's a bit of a walk, but better than burning gas trying to get out.

It really is a lot of fun.

Here's the page of FAQ's for you

http://www.nyra.com/Belmont/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation.shtml

Re: Anyone going to Belmont? Advice for first timer, please

If you're looking for a ticket... I have an extra