5 Tips for Going to the Belmont Stakes

It’s that time of year again… Time for the Belmont Stakes! Even better, California Chrome is going for a Triple Crown! Will he be the first horse in 30+ years to make it happen? We will see! Because it’s a Triple Crown, the event has been getting more exposure than it even does on normal year {which is a lot} so I decided writing some tips were in order. I guess you can call me an old-timer when it comes to the Stakes now that this will be my 4th year attending. Through the sunshine and the rain, I’ve made it out there. So here you are my top 5 tips for attending:

  1. Get into the theme! Fun hats, cute sundresses, whatever your heart desires. This is as close to the Kentucky Derby that NYC is getting and while it certainly isn’t that it’s still fun to get a little dressed up.
  2. That being said, wear appropriate shoes or plan accordingly! It’s a long day at Belmont and the place isn’t exactly tiny.. so please for the love of God don’t wear the highest heels you own. If you’re race day outfit simply can’t go on without sky-high heels, put a pair of flats in your purse. Trust me on this one.
  3. Set up a meeting spot. We usually go to Belmont with a big group of people and having a general area to meet up is key. People are going to branch out and walk around but by having a “hub location” you know where to meet up if you get split up or someone’s phone dies {if only iphones could hold a charge all day}.
  4. Make sure you check the security policies. You used to be able to bring in items from outside and now they even have restrictions on purse sizes too. All  in the name of keeping everyone safe! Check them out though so you don’t have to worry about tossing anything before you get in.
  5. And finally.. Be smart about what you drink. The bathroom lines get pretty ridiculous at the Stakes so it’s something to keep in mind. Plus, you don’t want to be that person on the train ride back to the city. Keep it classy guys.

Have fun everyone and go California Chrome!