Steve Freihon/Related-Oxford
New York, New York
Belmont Racetrack Development
A ribbon-inspired racetrack pairs modern engineering with unobstructed views at Belmont Park.
Lead Contact
Project Details
Project Partners
Populous
Owner
New York Racing Association
Location
Elmont, New York
Completion Date
Area
300,000 ft²
Seating Capacity
7,500
Number of Stories
5
Capacity
50,000
Structural Design for a Modern Belmont Park Racetrack
Thornton Tomasetti provided structural design and façade consulting services to Populous for the redevelopment of Belmont Park, the historic home of the Belmont Stakes. As a landmark venue with a long history of U.S. horse racing, Belmont Park is being redesigned to incorporate 21st-century technology while preserving the traditions of the sport.
Inspired by the flowing form of a ribbon—the traditional symbol of victory—the new five-level facility covers 300,000 square feet. It accommodates 7,500 guests in the main grandstand and up to 50,000 people during special events. The steel-framed superstructure supports a range of spaces, including clubs, dining venues, private suites, and indoor and outdoor experiences.
Engineering a Canopy and Façade for Unobstructed Track Views
An expansive canopy crowns the fifth-level outdoor terrace, providing unobstructed views of the racetrack while withstanding wind and other environmental loads. We used advanced computational modeling to streamline the canopy’s complex geometry, improve structural efficiency, and optimize material use. Lightweight cladding integrates with the structural frame to reinforce the flowing design while supporting constructability and resilience.
The high-performance curtain wall reinforces the ribbon-inspired aesthetic while balancing transparency, energy efficiency, and durability. A ramp through the structure enables racehorses to travel from the paddock to the track, bringing owners, trainers, jockeys, and guests closer to the action. Spectators can line the ramp to watch the horses and view the procession from above along an exterior walkway.
Preserving Belmont Park’s Legacy Through Sustainable Design
The project preserves and expands Belmont Park’s cherished green spaces. New infield access points increase usable outdoor space by nearly fivefold, giving the site greater flexibility for events. The project team reused portions of the 1960s building’s foundations to reduce demolition and environmental impacts, and the smaller building footprint supports the park’s role as a community and racing hub while respecting its historical significance.
Our Team
Capabilities
Project News
News
Belmont Park Reopens Following Major ReconstructionSeptember 22, 2026
Belmont Park has reopened to racing following a $555 million reconstruction that includes a new five-story grandstand and clubhouse engineered for the next generation of the iconic Long Island venue.