Photo: Mario Tama / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Saratoga Springs is gearing up for the Belmont on Broadway festival with heightened security measures to ensure the safety of attendees. The festival, which kicks off with a free concert by the alternative rock band Gin Blossoms on Wednesday June 4th, will see Broadway closed between Van Dam Street and Lake Avenue starting at 5 a.m. to accommodate the event. Attendees are advised that coolers, large bags, alcohol, pets, and drones are prohibited to maintain safety during the concert, which begins at 7 p.m. with opening act Uprooted, followed by Gin Blossoms at 8:30 p.m.
In addition to these precautions, Saratoga Springs will implement a no-fly zone from June 4th to June 8th, focusing on key areas including Broadway and the Saratoga Race Course. This measure is part of a broader effort to manage the influx of visitors and maintain order during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which culminates with the Belmont Stakes race on Saturday June 7th.
The festival is expected to draw large crowds, as it did in 2024, when it significantly boosted the local economy. Hotels, in particular, saw a 20% increase in revenue per available room. About 60 New York State Park Police Officers have attended an emergency preparedness seminar to ensure a swift response to any potential incidents. Lieutenant Jeffrey Santor of the New York State Park Police emphasized the importance of being prepared for any situation, whether natural or man-made.
Local businesses, like Maddy Zanetti's gift shop, Impressions of Saratoga, are optimistic about the festival's economic impact. Last year, despite an electrical fire, the shop managed to maintain its sales levels thanks to the event.