The New York Racing Association (NYRA) operates three of the largest thoroughbred racetracks in New York – Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course. If you have purchased tickets for races at any of these tracks, you will want to check your tickets ahead of time to ensure they are valid for entry.
Check Your Ticket Details
When you receive either print or mobile NYRA tickets, be sure to verify the following details are correct:
- Date of the race
- Track name (Aqueduct, Belmont or Saratoga)
- Race number
- Ticket price/face value
Ensuring this information is accurate will prevent any issues when you go to enter the track. If any details are incorrect, contact NYRA immediately to have your ticket corrected.
Verify Online Tickets
If you purchased NYRA tickets online via the NYRA Bets website or app, you can conveniently access your tickets digitally. Log into your NYRA Bets account either on the website or mobile app to view your Upcoming Events which will display any races you have tickets for.
For each upcoming race, you will see details including the track name, race date/time, ticket quantity and ticket status. Review this information to confirm all tickets were properly issued to your account. You can also access your full account history to view past tickets purchased.
Check Mobile Tickets
The NYRA mobile app also allows you to store your tickets digitally on your phone. Open the NYRA app and tap on Tickets. Here you will see a listing of your upcoming races. Tap into each event to view the details of those tickets including ticket quantity, seat location and a QR code.
You can click on the QR code anytime on race day to have the tickets scanned for entry. As long as the ticket status shows “Ready” these mobile tickets will be valid for the race.
Call the Box Office
If you need extra assurance about your NYRA tickets, you can always call the race track box office directly. The box office phone numbers are:
- Aqueduct – 718-641-4700
- Belmont Park – 516-488-6000
- Saratoga Race Course – 518-584-6200
Have your order confirmation number ready and a box office representative can confirm the details of your ticket purchase over the phone.
Check Printed Tickets
For NYRA tickets you received in printed form, either mailed to you or picked up in person, carefully inspect the physical tickets:
- Ensure no part of the ticket is cut-off
- Check for any tears, stains or illegible print
- Read the fine print for any restrictions
- Verify the bar code and numbers are clearly printed
Keep your printed NYRA tickets in a safe place until race day to guarantee they remain in good condition for entry. If there are any issues with legibility or damage, contact NYRA right away for help.
Understand Entry Policies
To avoid problems when entering any NYRA racetrack, be sure you understand their ticket policies:
- You must have a valid ticket for entrance, no exceptions. NYRA does not accept printouts or copies of tickets.
- Only one admission per ticket. Re-entry requires a new ticket.
- Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Proper identification is required. Only the named ticket holder can use that ticket for entry.
- No refunds or exchanges on tickets. All sales are final.
Knowing these policies ahead of time will ensure a smooth experience entering the racetrack with your NYRA tickets.
Confirm Season Pass Details
If you purchased a NYRA season pass package, either a Saratoga season pass or a NYRA 3-pack, you will want to check those details as well:
- Log into your NYRA Bets account to view your active season passes.
- Verify the track name, pass duration and entry details.
- Your season pass will automatically activate on valid racing days.
- Contact NYRA if your season pass is not properly reflected in your account.
Season pass holders can enter any NYRA racetrack by checking in at the season pass desk onsite to scan their pass and validate entry for that day.
Check Parking Pass
If you pre-purchased a parking pass for Aqueduct or Saratoga Race Course, be sure to have that pass ready for your vehicle. Parking passes can be either printed or downloaded to your phone for scanning. Verify your parking pass has the correct date and track name. Your parking is guaranteed with an advance pass, but availability is limited on race day for drive-up parking purchases.
Review Restricted Items
To make going through security and entry easier, be sure to review the list of prohibited and restricted items at NYRA racetracks ahead of time. Some items not allowed include:
- Weapons
- Recreational drugs & drug paraphernalia
- Alcoholic beverages
- Glass containers or cans
- Selfie sticks
- Coolers or picnic baskets
- Drones or other remote flying devices
Knowing what not to bring prevents having your entry delayed or items confiscated at the gate. Review the full list of prohibited items on the NYRA website so you arrive ready.
Arrive Early
Be sure to arrive at the racetrack early, especially on popular racing days like Belmont Stakes Day or Travers Stakes Day. This will help prevent long lines at the entry gates. NYRA recommends arriving at least 2-3 hours before the first race post time to get settled in.
The entry gates typically open 2 hours ahead of the first race. Allow enough time to get your tickets scanned, go through security screening, find parking (if not pre-purchased), get race day programs, place bets, grab food & drinks and find your seat. Rushing creates disorganization and stress.
Charge Mobile Devices
If you are using the NYRA mobile app to access your tickets, parking passes or wagering account, be sure your smartphone or tablet is fully charged. Portable phone chargers are also recommended just in case. You don’t want your device dying right when you need to show your mobile ticket!
Know Your Seat Location
Whether you have reserved seating or general admission tickets, take a moment beforehand to understand where your ticketed seats will be so you can navigate directly there on race day. Aqueduct and Saratoga Race Course especially have large grounds that can get confusing.
For reserved seating, your printed or digital tickets will have a detailed seat location. Review the section, row and seat numbers. Having a map of the grandstands available can help find your seats faster.
General admission tickets allow free roaming access to certain areas like the paddock or backyard. Study the racetrack map so you know which zones you can access ahead of time with those tickets.
Place Bets Early
Don’t wait until right before post time to get your bets in! The lines at betting windows and self-service machines get very long leading up to race time. Place wagers as early as possible to avoid missing the pre-race cutoff.
Advanced deposit wagering via the NYRA Bets app is the most convenient way to get your bets in quickly before races. Take a few minutes after arriving to place your bets on your phone before the crowds pack in.
Stay Hydrated
Race days in New York can be hot and humid during the summer months. Be sure to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, especially if you plan to consume alcohol. Dehydration can quickly ruin an otherwise fun day at the races.
Bring a refillable water bottle or purchase water onsite. Drinking stations are available around the tracks to conveniently refill bottles for free.
NYRA Track Amenities
To make the most of your live racing experience, understand what amenities are available at each NYRA track:
Amenity | Aqueduct | Belmont | Saratoga |
---|---|---|---|
Full-Service Restaurants | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Quick-Service Dining | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bars & Lounges | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Picnic Areas | Yes | No | Yes |
Family Fun Zone | No | No | Yes |
Live Music Performances | No | No | Yes |
Giveaways & Prizes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Knowing what food, drinks, entertainment and freebies are offered will help you plan your ideal race day.
Getting Home From the Track
Don’t forget to plan how you will get home after the races! If you drive, be prepared for delays leaving the parking lot. If using rideshare or taxis, expect rate surges after popular events. Public transportation like LIRR trains stop running late night. Have a safe and sober transportation plan lined up in advance.
Conclusion
Following proper ticket checking procedures and arriving at the track fully prepared will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable day at the races. NYRA wants all their patrons to have the best live racing experience possible. By confirming your tickets are valid, understanding racetrack policies, and planning ahead, you are setting yourself up for an unforgettable New York race day.