The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has updated protocols to further enhance fan safety and security while supporting the longstanding cooler policy tradition at historic Saratoga Race Course, the track said via a press release on Friday.
Fans bringing coolers to Saratoga Race Course will be required to ensure all ice is contained inside sealed bags upon arrival at the admission gates.
The policy will take effect with the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, June 3-7, and will continue during the Saratoga summer meet, July 3-Sept. 7.
The initiative is geared to facilitate the effective and efficient screening of coolers at designated inspection lanes, which will be established at Gate B (Union and East Avenue) and Gate C (Nelson Avenue). All fans with coolers should enter through either Gate B or Gate C.
During the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, fans are permitted to bring alcoholic beverages on Wednesday, June 3, and Sunday, June 7.
Consistent with prior years, fans will be permitted non-alcoholic beverages and food within personal-sized coolers measuring 12″x18″ on Thursday, June 4; Friday, June 5; and Belmont Stakes Day, Saturday, June 6.
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