TurfPublicists: NYRA Announces Modified Security Policies for 2013 Belmont Stakes

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Contact: Eric Wing

NYRA Announces Modified Security Policies for 2013 Belmont Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has revised its security policies and procedures for the 145^th running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 8.

The changes, a result of heightened public security concerns in recent weeks, were developed in concert with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, as well as racing and security officials in Kentucky and Maryland.

"The security of our fans, employees and athletes is paramount," said Sidney Anthony, NYRA's Vice President of Security. "Some of these policies are new for 2013, while others will be familiar from previous years. We encourage everyone to read the information carefully to minimize inconvenience and help us ensure a fun and safe Belmont Stakes Day experience for all."

All who enter Belmont Park on June 8 will be subject to an electronic wand search at admission gates as well as at employee, vendor and media entrances. All items carried into the track are subject to search by NYRA security and law enforcement partners. Searches could occur outside or inside the track's admission gates. Prohibited items confiscated during the screening process will not be held for retrieval. Tailgating is prohibited on Belmont Park grounds. Ice will be sold on the premises at minimal cost.

Below are detailed lists of banned and permitted items for Belmont Stakes Day. Changes from existing policy are denoted by bold type.

*BANNED ITEMS*
BUILDING AND APRON	BACKYARD
No Air Horns/Noise Makers	No Air Horns/Noise Makers
No Alcoholic Beverages	No Alcoholic Beverages
No Back Packs	No Back Packs
No Briefcases/Luggage	No Briefcases/Luggage
No Cameras with detachable lenses, or lenses more than 6" in length	No Cameras with detachable lenses, or lenses more than 6" in length
No Camcorders	No Camcorders
No Coolers	No Coolers
No Duffle Bags	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 Purses larger than 12" in diameter	No Purses larger than 12" in diameter
No Tents/Canopies	No Tents/Canopies
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
No Non-Folding or Folding Furniture
PERMITTED ITEMS
BUILDING AND APRON		BACKYARD
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 (without interior pockets/compartments)		Beach Tote Bag (without interior pockets/compartments)
Binoculars		Binoculars
Cell/Smart Phones & Tablets (Subject to Screening)		Cell/Smart Phones & Tablets (Subject to Screening)
Food Items in clear see through plastic container or bag no larger that 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 that 28"Lx15"Wx 17"H (Backyard area ONLY. Limit one container per adult. Non Alcoholic beverages in clear plastic containers or regular sized cans only. Patrons with these containers MUST enter through the Grandstand Paddock, Grandstand Backyard or Grandstand West Gates.)
Non Alcoholic Beverages individually carried in a plastic container or regular sized can.		Beach Blankets
Purses not larger than 12" in diameter		Purses not larger than 12" in diameter
Seat Cushion (Backless)		Seat Cushion (Backless)
Small Cameras (No detachable lenses or lens larger than 6"		Small Cameras (No detachable lenses or lens larger than 6"
Strollers (Must be carrying a child)		Strollers (Must be carrying a child)
Sunscreen (No Glass Containers)		Sunscreen (No Glass Containers)
		Lightweight Aluminum or Plastic Folding Chairs

-30-