Elmont, NY - April 28, 2015 - The New York Racing Association today outlined enhanced security protocols for fans attending the 2015 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6.  The festival is highlighted by 147th running of the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes on June 6; the oldest and longest leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.

This year's festival will feature new regulations designed to further enhance the safety and security of guests on Friday and Saturday. Changes for these two days include prohibitions against the use of "selfie sticks", drones and all radio-controlled aircraft.    Tailgating will also be prohibited in parking lots, with all items brought into Belmont's Grandstand, Clubhouse or Backyard included in a clear plastic bag for enhanced screening. 

"With tens of thousands of horseplayers and racing fans from around the world joining us for this exciting, festival of championship racing, premium entertainment and world-class hospitality, we are taking additional steps to further ensure the safety and security of our guests throughout this mega event," said George C. Venizelos, Vice President of Security for the New York Racing Association.  

"The safety of our guests, our equine athletes, our horsemen and horsewomen and all of our employees is our top priority; to that end, we are working collaboratively with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners as we further enhance our security operations in preparation for this special celebration of New York racing."

Changes made to the Belmont Stakes security policy are designed to enhance the safety of guests, in addition to further expedite entry and exit from the property.  They mirror protocols enacted at many venues around the country, including thoroughbred racing.  A full list of prohibited and permitted items accompanies this release and can be reviewed at BelmontStakes.com. 

All guests are subject to magnetic screening upon entering the grounds.  Guests attempting to enter the Clubhouse, Grandstand or the Backyard with prohibited items will be asked to return them to their vehicles, or dispose of them.  No storage will be provided for guests arriving with, or attempting to enter with prohibited items.  

"Keeping our guests safe and secure is a team effort.  We want all of our guests to enjoy themselves and have a great time at Belmont Park," continued Venizelos.  "Guests traveling to and from Belmont Park should plan ahead and allow themselves extra time to arrive and depart the property. They should familiarize themselves with our revised policies in advance of this three day mega event by visiting BelmontStakes.com.  Most importantly, they should always remember that if they see something, they should say something; immediately notify an officer, or dial 911." 

Over the course of the past year and in preparation for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, the New York Racing Association has added a number of senior managers with experience planning for, and supporting mega event operations.  This includes the addition of Venizelos, who previously served as the Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's New York Office; the largest of the Bureau's 56 field offices. 

During his time in the New York division, Venizelos played a vital role in the security planning and coordination of numerous mega events, including the 2004 Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden, and Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.  He is currently working in conjunction with local, state and federal officials in preparation for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

Tickets for the expanded festival of premium racing, hospitality and entertainment are still available, but selling fast.  For more information on the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival or to purchase admission, seating or hospitality packages, please visit belmontstakes.com, or call 1-844-NYRA-TIX.

About the New York Racing Association (NYRA)

Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York's three major tracks (Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park, and Saratoga Race Course) through 2033, the New York Racing Association's mission is "Meeting the highest standards in thoroughbred racing and equine safety."  With a lineage of nearly 150 years, NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York State's thoroughbred industry, which contributes more than $2 billion annually to its urban, suburban and rural economy.  

In 2014, more than 1.7 million people attended live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totaled more than $10 million.  For more information, visit NYRA.com

PROHIBITED ITEMS
BUILDING AND APRON	BACKYARD AREA
No Air Horns/Noise Makers	No Air Horns/Noise Makers
No Outside Alcoholic Beverages	No Outside Alcoholic Beverages
No Back Packs	No Back Packs
No Brief Cases/Luggage	No Brief Cases/Luggage
No Cameras with a detachable lens, or lenses more than 6" in length	No Cameras with a detachable lens, or lenses more than 6" in length
No Camcorders	No Camcorders
No Coolers	No Coolers (Clear see-through" Plastic Containers" no larger than 28"Lx15"Wx17"H will be permitted)
No Drones or Radio-Controlled Aircraft No Duffle Bags	No Drones or Radio-Controlled Aircraft No Duffle Bags
No Fireworks	No Fireworks
No Glass	No Glass
No Grills	No Grills
No Laser Lights/Pointers	No Laser Lights/Pointers
No Mace/Pepper Spray	No Mace/Pepper Spray
No Non Folding or Folding Furniture	No Purses (Larger than 12" in diameter)
No Purses (Larger than 12" in diameter) No Selfie Sticks	No Selfie Sticks No Tents
No Tents	No Thermoses
No Thermoses	No Tripods
No Tripods	No Umbrellas
No Umbrellas	No Wagons/Shopping Carts/Hand Trucks
No Wagons/Shopping Carts/Hand Trucks	No Weapons
No Weapons
PERMITTED ITEMS
BUILDING AND APRON	BACKYARD AREA
Baby/Diaper Bags (Must contain child care items and accompany a child)	Baby/Diaper Bags (Must contain child care items and accompany a child)
Beach Tote Bag	Beach Blankets
Binoculars	Beach Tote Bag
Cell/Smart Phones & Tablets (Subject to Screening)	Binoculars
Food Items in clear see through plastic container or bag no larger than 18"x18", including "Box Lunches" (Limit two containers per adult, no trash bags)	Food Items/Non Alcoholic Beverages in a clear see through plastic container no larger than 28"Lx15"Wx 17"H (Limit one container per adult. Non Alcoholic beverages in clear plastic containers or regular sized cans only)
Non Alcoholic Beverages individually carried in a plastic container or regular sized can.	Cell/Smart Phones & Tablets (Subject to Screening)
Purses not larger than 12" in diameter	Lightweight Aluminum or Plastic Folding Chairs
Seat Cushion (Backless)	Purses not larger than 12" in diameter
Small Cameras (No detachable lens or lens larger than 6"	Seat Cushion (Backless)
Strollers (Only if carrying a child)	Small Cameras (No detachable lens or lens larger than 6"
Sunscreen (No Glass Containers)	Strollers (Only if carrying a child)
	Sunscreen (No Glass Containers)

Photo by Martin Brooks, via Free Images