News

March 21, 2024

Picnic Table Random Drawing for Belmont Stakes: What to Know

In the spirit of fairness, there will be a random drawing conducted for the opportunity to purchase a reserved picnic table for Saturday, June 8 (Belmont Stakes Day).

Here’s everything you need to know about the drawing process.

Drawing Procedure
  • Submissions open on Monday, March 25, 2024. The form will be published on this page.
  • Submissions will be accepted until Friday, April 5, 2024 at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT.
  • To enter the drawing you must submit the form on this page, including a valid phone number and email address by which we can contact you.
  • Duplicate entries will not increase chances of being selected. Please do not attempt to submit the form multiple times.
If You Are Selected
  • Winners will be drawn randomly. Winners will be notified shortly after conclusion of the drawing and will have up to 48 hours to complete the ticket purchase through a NYRA sales representative. You must provide a valid phone number and email address in order to be contacted.
  • Each table accommodates six guests for $75 per person or a total of $450, and includes admission.
  • If you are selected and you have already purchased a ticket for Belmont Stakes Day, the NYRA Box Office can credit your existing purchase.
  • The NYRA Box Office will do its best to honor requests for specific table locations, subject to availability. Please note that the configuration of reserved tables will be different from the standard layout during the Saratoga summer meet. Consult the Grounds Map to view available locations (#17 – Picnic Paddock North, and #29 – Picnic Paddock South).
  • Winners have the option to decline the sales offer, removing themselves from consideration. If this occurs, or if a winner does not respond within 48-hour period, another winner will be selected via random drawing in their place.
  • There is no re-entry on Belmont Stakes Day, so you must remain inside the grounds after entering Saratoga Race Course.
  • Coolers containing food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. Additional chairs, pop-up tents or umbrellas are strictly prohibited.
Full Details

A complete list of details is available here.

Please note that the a large majority of Saratoga’s backyard picnic tables – approximately 700 – will be available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, as is traditional during the 40-day summer meet.