The Belmont Stakes have seen a surge in ticket prices over previous years as a potential Triple Crown victory looms over the 2018 race. After winning this year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, all eyes are on Justify, the thoroughbred with a chance to become racing’s newest Triple Crown winner. Average ticket prices to Belmont Park are at their highest in recent years, largely thanks to the buzz surrounding Justify. However, this is hardly off-trend for the final jewel of the Triple Crown, as historical data shows Belmont Stakes ticket prices drastically fluctuate depending on whether history is on the line.
In the nearly 150 years since all three races were established, only 12 horses have won the Triple Crown. Of that dozen, only one thoroughbred has achieved the feat in the 21st century. American Pharoah, the most recent winner, made history by capturing all three races in 2015 – 37 years after the last Triple Crown winner, Affirmed. Will Justify be the next decorated winner? Patrons hoping to see history made will have to pay a steeper price than in previous years over the prospect of the Belmont Stakes dishing out another Triple Crown winner.
Belmont Stakes Ticket Prices Year-Over-Year
| Year | Average Price | Price Growth from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012* | $170.55 | N/A |
| 2013 | $93.44 | -45.21% |
| 2014* | $127.24 | 36.17% |
| 2015** | $143.23 | 12.57% |
| 2016 | $60.20 | -57.97% |
| 2017 | $55.09 | -8.49% |
| 2018* | $204.44 | 271.10% |
*denotes attempt at Triple Crown victory
**denotes successful Triple Crown victory (American Pharoah)
Ticket Club data shows that average Belmont Stakes ticket prices run patrons over $200 for entry into this year’s race, a drastic difference from last year’s $55 average. Historically, the chance at a Triple Crown victory results in higher ticket prices, as evidenced on multiple occasions in the past six years. In fact, average prices went well over $100 every year that there was the possibility of a Triple Crown achievement.
The 2012 race had spectators shell out over $170 per ticket to watch as I’ll Have Another attempted to win the third jewel. Prices dipped 45 percent the following year with no competing horse in Triple Crown contention, before bouncing back in 2014 as California Chrome made the attempt. American Pharoah’s successful bid in 2015 led to yet another price increase before dropping significantly the past two years.
For horse racing diehards, a ticket into Belmont Park Raceway is often the most affordable, regardless of whether a Triple Crown victory is at stake. Average ticket prices for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes are often significantly higher in comparison, as demonstrated in the tables below of average prices from the past five years.
Kentucky Derby vs. Belmont Stakes Ticket Prices
| Year | Kentucky Derby Average Ticket Price | Belmont Stakes Average Ticket Price | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $401.68 | $93.44 | $308.24 |
| 2014 | $328.44 | $127.24 | $201.20 |
| 2015 | $394.87 | $143.23 | $251.64 |
| 2016 | $440.60 | $60.20 | $380.40 |
| 2017 | $367.16 | $55.09 | $312.07 |
| 2018 | $465.48 | $204.44 | $261.04 |
The Kentucky Derby has established itself as one of the year’s premier sporting (and social) events which thrives on plenty of longstanding traditions, from the fashionable hats to the track’s signature mint juleps. Not to mention, being the kick-off race in the Triple Crown generates plenty of buzz for which thoroughbreds have the potential to go all the way and makes a ticket to the Derby in high demand. The Preakness Stakes, held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, see tickets run far lower than the Derby, though still typically higher than the Belmont. The few occasions where Belmont tickets exceed the price of Preakness tickets, unsurprisingly, had a Triple Crown victory on the line.
Preakness Stakes vs. Belmont Stakes Ticket Prices
| Year | Preakness Stakes Average Ticket Price | Belmont Stakes Average Ticket Price | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $140.88 | $93.44 | $47.44 |
| 2014 | $139.15 | $127.24 | $11.91 |
| 2015 | $115.04 | $143.23 | -$28.19 |
| 2016 | $95.10 | $60.20 | $34.90 |
| 2017 | $98.32 | $55.09 | $43.23 |
| 2018 | $148.85 | $204.44 | -$55.59 |
We’ll continue to monitor these pricing trends as the Belmont Stakes nears and excitement surrounding Justify’s Triple Crown run builds.