Silver,

I am going to agree and disagree.
I have been to every Belmont since Canonero II. I think I speak from experience. In my opinion, NYRA has done a good job in handling the transformation of the Belmont from a major stakes to a Major Sports Extravaganza.
Until the late 80's, grandstand seating was 1st come 1st served...toss a paper on a seat and it was honored. (Ah! the good old days).
As the Belmont has become an "Event" over the past few years and the grandstand reserved seats have gone from $4.00 to $45.00, I too have had some bad experiences.
1)Seating: I pay every Feb. when they go on sale...I never get my seats until after the Preakness (and then after we pepper them with phone calls). I am Section U row 4 this year...not too bad. ($27 each)
2) Belmont glasses- 1976 was the first year and I bought a few. 1977 -I waited until later (so as not to lug them around). Sold out! They sell for $700 each today and I haven't got even one!. And in 1982, I gave 4 to a cute gal next to me.(about $175 each today).
3) Seating again---How about your seat in the last row of the last section has a frame with no seat???..lol...after an hour wait on line, they replace them with two in the first section almost on the finish line????...where did they come from??) That was Easy Goer's year---1989.

What I have found over the past few years is that the betting lines are much more manageable. Betting machines and additional hirings seems to have abated the traditional long lines (you used to have to be in line once a race went official to even hope to get a bet in for the next race.) The Clubhouse seems to have shorter lines than the Grandstand and it is possible to 'get down' very close to posttime.
Concessions: I'm just a coffee and poundcake guy upon arrival and a soft pretzel leaving. So, other than my 'Karbs R King' diet,I have no real basis to comment on the food or lack thereof.

For me, the atmosphere...etc. etc. overshadows and outweighs any inconveniences. I try to do all my basic handicapping the day before and select what I think are the most bettable props on the card. (Pick 4, DD's etc. ) Try to get those bets in reasonable early and take in the day. Walk to the saddling area, check out the merchants...and look for another Balconaje......(hint: ran on the Secretariat undercard).

So, good luck Saturday...hoping Smarty trips the light fantastic.. After 33 years, I still look most forward to this day racing than any other.

Tip

Re