Flo Rida To Headline Belmont Stakes Concert

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced the annual slate of community events to take place during the week leading up to the Belmont Stakes. As is tradition, the festivities will begin with the 12th annual Belmont/Elmont Parade on June 1, followed by the Belmont Stakes Run/Walk on Sunday, June 2.

NYRA’s jockey colony will make their annual visit to the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island on Wednesday, June 5. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival then kicks off on Thursday, June 6 with Community Day at Belmont Park.

“Belmont Park and the Belmont Stakes are a part of the fabric of our community,” said NYRA CEO and President Dave O’Rourke. “That’s why we make it a priority to extend the festivities beyond the gates of Belmont Park and into neighboring villages and towns. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is a celebration that reflects the interests of our many community partners who take pride in demonstrating their support for this internationally acclaimed sporting event that we have the good fortune to host each year.”

Once again serving as the Belmont Stakes Week kick-off event, the Belmont/Elmont Parade on June 1 will provide the opportunity for thousands of residents, local leaders and elected officials to march along Hempstead Turnpike and into Belmont Park.

"We hold a special place in our hearts for the parade because Belmont Park and the Belmont Stakes are a big part of our community and it's such a great way to celebrate that," said Paul Sapienza, president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce and life-long Elmont resident. "The kids love it. The schools love it. Everybody gets behind it and it brings the local community together. Everyone has representation and it draws us all together."

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Elmont Public Library (700 Hempstead Turnpike) and will proceed west down Hempstead Turnpike before entering Belmont Park at Gate 5. Among the participants will be elected officials, local leaders, marching bands from Elmont public schools, members of the police and fire departments and local youth organizations.

Longtime Elmont resident Mabel Johnston will march as the grand marshal in recognition of her decades of service to the Elmont community.

The Belmont Stakes’ 5K Run/Walk on National Cancer Survivors Day will take place on Sunday, June 2. Co-sponsored by Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC), the run/walk is held on National Cancer Survivor's Day and promotes the importance of early cancer detection. Annually, the 5K run raises awareness and more than $100,000 in funding for prostate cancer education, support, and screenings.

The race takes place entirely on the grounds of Belmont Park. Runners begin in the parking lot area behind the grandstand before continuing to the training track and running across the finish line on Belmont’s iconic “Big Sandy” main track. Participants will be treated to a post-race celebration where they will enjoy refreshments and have the opportunity to win prizes.

Day One of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is highlighted by NYRA's annual “Community Day” on Thursday, June 6 at Belmont Park. Community Day shines a light on the mission and goals of regional non-profits and service providers who set up informational booths and participate in various activities designed to raise awareness and funding for their efforts.

Multi-platinum hip-hop artist Flo Rida headlines the entertainment offerings and will perform a short set just prior to the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 8. Immediately following the conclusion of the day's live racing program, Flo Rida will then perform a special, post-race concert near the 'Top of the Stretch' at Belmont Park.

Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes will take the stage at the conclusion of live racing on Friday, June 7 for a special post-race concert. New Jersey's own Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes emerged from the Jersey Shore in the early 1970's and have enjoyed a decades-long successful career, delivering their soul-searing brand of raucous blues and R&B to audiences with huge hits like "I Don't Want To Go Home", "Love On The Wrong Side Of Town", "The Fever", "This Time It's For Real" and "Got To Get You Off My Mind".

Belmont Stakes Day will also include a trackside performance from the hit musical Rock of Ages. The five-time Tony nominated show captures the 1980s in Hollywood through the greatest rock anthems and power ballads of the era.

General Admission Tickets for Belmont Stakes Day are available for $25 through May 31. Beginning on June 1, general admission is $30 while supplies last. To purchase tickets, and for additional information on all premium hospitality options, visit BelmontStakes.com.