Belmont Stakes 2018: Everything You Need To Know

This weekend, the Belmont Stakes, one of the biggest horse racing events of the year, kicks off at the Belmont Race Track in Elmont. And we have all the information you need to enjoy the big race.

The Stakes are taking place on Saturday, June 9, but there will be events happening Thursday and Friday, too, including many more races. In addition to the races, the band Third Eye Blind will be performing on Saturday, as will cast members from A Bronx Tale.

This year's Belmont Stakes are going to be even more popular than normal as Justify attempts to win the Triple Crown, which has only been accomplished 12 times in the last 100 years. The last was in 2015, when American Pharaoh took the crown. Around 90,000 people are expected to attend.

“The security of all spectators at the Belmont Stakes is the main priority of the Nassau County Police Department,” Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said in a release. “Numerous resources have been assigned and our Intelligence Unit is working with federal, state and local authorities to ensure a safe environment. Visitors are reminded to pack food items in clear plastic bags only and that alcohol, coolers, backpacks and duffel bags are prohibited to be brought onto the grounds. Visitors should expect some intermittent traffic delays, especially after the main race, and mass transit is recommended as a form of transportation.”

Reserved seating tickets have already sold out, but general admission tickets are still available, starting at $30. You can purchase tickets at the Belmont Stakes website.

Belmont Racetrack is located at 2150 Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont. So if you're driving, expect to sit in some traffic. The park encourages those who are driving to arrive early and plan to stay late due to the traffic and crowds.

The parking gates open at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and the admission gates and concessions open at 11 a.m. On Saturday, which is race day, the parking gates open at 8 a.m. and the admission gates and concessions open at 8:30 a.m. Advance parking passes are sold out, but there may be parking available on race day starting at $40.

If you don't want to drive, the Long Island Rail Road will be running special trains for the Belmont Stakes. Round-trip tickets vary in price from $12 to $26, depending on your starting station. You can find the LIRR timetable here. The LIRR has scheduled 21 extra trains to carry the thousands of expected passengers.

In addition, the N6 NICE Bus route will be making stops at Belmont. NICE Bus will also have additional buses standing by at Belmont to whisk people away once the races have ended on Saturday.

If you can't make it to the race, but still want to watch, you can. The race will be broadcast live on NBC. There will be pre- and post-race coverage, but the post time for the main race is 6:37 p.m.

Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images