State Creates Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccine Site At Belmont Stakes

ELMONT, NY — A new pop-up COVID-19 vaccine site will run in conjunction with the Belmont Stakes weekend events. And it comes with a perk.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the new Belmont Park vaccination spot will be Friday and Saturday to coincide with the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

For those who get the vaccine — a single dose of Johnson & Johnson — there's an additional incentive: a free general admission ticket to next year's Belmont Stakes, the governor's office said in a statement.

"We're using every tool in our arsenal to defeat COVID-19 for good, revitalize our economy and move into the new normal, and vaccinating as many New Yorkers as possible is critical to that strategy for our state's future," Cuomo said in a statement. "This pop-up vaccination site that will operate during one of New York's most exciting annual events will encourage even more residents and families to get vaccinated with an exciting incentive--free admission to next year's Belmont Stakes. I encourage all interested New Yorkers to take advantage of this opportunity and do their part to protect themselves, their families and our state."

The site will be operational next to the clubhouse entrance on Friday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The state is partnering on the pop-up site with Northwell Health and the New York Racing Association.

"NYRA thanks Governor Cuomo and Northwell Health for the opportunity to help turn the page on the COVID-19 pandemic," NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said. "We are looking forward to a thrilling weekend of world-class thoroughbred racing at Belmont Park, and encourage fans in attendance to get vaccinated, download the Excelsior Pass and enjoy the energy and excitement of the Belmont Stakes."