Belmont Stakes: How To Get There From NYC

NEW YORK – The 151st running of the Belmont Stakes — the oldest of the Triple Crown races — is set for this weekend with easy access from New York City.

The Stakes are set for Saturday, June 8. In addition to the races, Flo Rida will be performing on Saturday, as will cast members from "Rock of Ages."

Here's everything you need to know to get the most out of the weekend.

Getting to the Race

The Belmont Racetrack is located right on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont, Long Island. Traffic is going to be pretty nightmarish. Instead, you can take the train.

The LIRR will be running special trains to and from Belmont Park on Saturday just for the race. Board at Penn Station or Jamaica station. You can get the full train schedule here.

If you're looking to take the bus instead, you're going to want to get on the N6, which runs along Hempstead Turnpike. It also starts at Jamaica Station, so you can jump on there. You can check the NICE Bus website to find more exact pickup times and locations.

Race Events

Once you get to Belmont Park, there's plenty to do, even if it's not race day.

Saturday, though, is when the real fun starts.

• 8 a.m.: Parking gates open.
• 11 a.m.: The West Point Band will perform the National Anthem.
• 11:15 a.m.: The West Point Parachute Team will jump into the park from thousands of feet up.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Triple Crown-winning jockeys Mike Smith, Victor Espinoza and Jean Cruget will be signing autographs and taking pictures with fans.
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Longines Fashion Contest.
• 5:15 p.m.: "Rock of Ages" cast members will perform trackside.
• 6:48 p.m.: Post time for the Belmont Stakes.
• After the race: Flo Rida performs live trackside.

For safety reasons, the Nassau County Police Department says that no backpacks, coolers, luggage or duffel bags will be allowed at the event. Any food items brought in must be in plastic containers or see-through bags.

For more information on the Belmont Stakes, and how you can get tickets to everything, visit the race's website.

This story was reported by Alex Costello/Patch.