You're going to New York City and you want to know how to get Belmont tickets. With the seating capacity of Belmont Park at 32,941 and no chance for a Triple Crown Winner a person would think that getting tickets would be easy.

The Belmont Stakes, the final jewel of the Triple Crown races, has been being held since 1867 and is the oldest and the longest (1 mile 1/2) of the three races. But people are less familiar with it compared to the Kentucky Derby or the Preakness. Since the Triple Crown can only be won if the same horse wins all three races, the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont, attendance and interest in the Belmont Stakes fluctuates.

There have only been 11 Triple Crown winners out of 26 possibilities, the last being Affirmed who won it in 1978 in a spectacular race season rivalry between Affirmed and Alydar. http://www.belmont-stakes.info/

Over 120,000 people went to the race in 2004 when Smarty Jones was defeated going for the Crown.

The lowest number of attendants in recent years was 37,171 in 1995. Thunder Gulch won the Kentucky Derby, but lost to stablemate, "Timber Country" in the Preakness. Thunder Gulch went on to win the Belmont.

Naturally when a horse has won the Derby and Preakness, attendance goes up. And when different horses have won the Derby and Preakness attendance goes down. However a situation as that in 2010, the 142nd running of the Belmont, attracts a good number of horse racing fans. In 2010, neither Super Saver, the Kentucky Derby winner, nor Lookin for Lucky, the Preakness winner will be entered into the Belmont. This is only the third time since 1970 that neither of the winners will be in the race.

The long distance of the race, 1 1/2 miles, is a huge handicapping element and a draw in attendance. None of the horses have ever raced this far.

These two factors gives the wagering attendees and handicapping enthusiasts a chance at a high payoff long shot win since both horses that would probably have gone off as the favorites are eliminated. The number of people who will be attending a party at Belmont Park may decline, but those attending a horse race will increase. This is why having a seat for the day is a huge asset. It's a long day at the track and handicapping while standing is difficult and can get irritating.http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/expecting-low-attendance-at-belmont-think-again/

Belmont Stakes Day

• Parking is available at the track for 18,500 cars. The cost for parking on Belmont Stakes Day is
• General Parking $10,
• Preferred Parking $40
• No valet service available
• Courtesy shuttle service from the parking areas is available

Race Day Admission

• Grandstand Admission $10
• Clubhouse Admission $20

• If you're planning on attending the Belmont and want to take a cooler with refreshments for the day, coolers are not allowed anywhere in the track except in the backyard of the grandstand or at the trackside "Top of the Stretch Picnic Area." The Belmont doesn't offer admittance into the infield on Belmont Day. The backyard area is generally more party oriented.

• No glass containers are allowed, and no alcohol is permitted on Belmont Stakes Day.

Attire

• Grandstand: Shirts and shoes required.
• General Clubhouse: No short shorts, cut-offs or abbreviated wear permitted. Men's tank tops are not allowed.

• These tickets do not include reserved seats. The seats that are available in these sections are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The gates open at 8:30AM and general parking opens at 8:15AM.http://www.nyra.com/Belmont/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation.shtml

For reserved seating, which is preferable for a pleasant day of racing, advance requests can be made through an application process. To access the application form or to see the seating chart, [Click Here.]

However, if you are looking for tickets closer to race day, tickets are also available through TicketMaster. To access the TicketMaster site, http://www.ticketmaster.com Click here.

Fill out the forms and you'll be directed to the Belmont Seat availability form. Choose the number of seats you're looking for and the maximum price you want to pay from the drop-down windows. The computer will search for available tickets that fit your request.

TicketMaster will show you actual seats available and will hold those seats specifically for you for a short time during which you must decide if you want those tickets or search for something else.

The number of tickets available through TicketMaster is determined by the sponsor and fees and service charges will apply.

You can also call for ticket information and availability at (718) 641-4700 ext.3732 or 1-800-814-7846. Or Fax your requests to (516) 659-3599.

Attire on Belmont Stakes Day

The dress code at Belmont Park applies to anyone age 12 or over. There are different dress codes for the various areas of the track with reserved seating.

Box Seats:

• Ladies: Dresses, skirts, or slack outfits.
• Men: A Suit or sports jacket is required and a tie.
• No shorts or jeans allowed.

Restaurant Seating

Garden Terrace Ladies: Casual - dress, skirts, or pant suits Men:Suit or sports jacket required (ties optional)

• No jeans or shorts

Belmont Room (Trustees’ Room)

• Ladies: Dress, slacks or pant suits.
• Men: Suits or sports jacket & tie required.
• No jeans or shorts permitted.http://www.nyra.com/Belmont/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation/GeneralInformation.shtml

If you cannot find tickets available either from the ticket office at Belmont or on TicketMaster, there are a number of ticket brokers online, as well as auctions, and sites that allow individual ticket holders to offer them for sale.

The prices for the tickets are set by the individual offering them for sale. Other service charges and delivery fees will also be added to the cost per ticket.

If you're going to use one of these sites, do a little homework before supplying your personal and credit card information. One thing you can check for quickly is a Better Business Bureau seal. Do a search to find any information about that might exist online.

Check local papers for tickets for sale. People often advertise tickets for sale in the local paper's ads. Tickets are often offered on E-Bay or Craig's List.

Use your own discretion when purchasing tickets from a website.