Belmont Stakes National Television Broadcast History
The Belmont Stakes, one of the most prestigious events in horse racing, has a long history of bringing the excitement of the track into living rooms across the United States. Since the late 1940s, national television networks have competed for the rights to broadcast this grueling test of endurance, ensuring that fans can witness the quest for the Triple Crown in real-time.
Key Facts
- National television coverage of the Belmont Stakes began in 1948.
- Four major networks have held the broadcasting rights: CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox.
- CBS held the longest continuous early streak of coverage from 1953 to 1985.
- Fox is the current broadcaster, with a contract extending through 2030.
The Evolution of Network Coverage
The journey of the Belmont Stakes on television began with CBS, which first aired the event in 1948 and 1949. After a brief hiatus, CBS returned to become the primary home of the race for over three decades, spanning from 1953 to 1985.
As the media landscape shifted, other networks stepped in to provide coverage. ABC took over the reins from 1986 to 2000 and returned for another stint between 2006 and 2010. Meanwhile, NBC provided coverage during several distinct periods, including the early 1950s, the early 2000s, and most recently from 2011 to 2022.
In 2023, a new era began when Fox acquired the broadcasting rights. This current agreement is set to keep the race on Fox through the 2030 Belmont Stakes.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Broadcast Timeline Summary
The following table outlines the specific years each national network was responsible for broadcasting the Belmont Stakes.
| Network | Broadcast Years |
|---|---|
| CBS | 1948–1949, 1953–1985 |
| NBC | 1950–1952, 2001–2005, 2011–2022 |
| ABC | 1986–2000, 2006–2010 |
| Fox | 2023–2030 (Current) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Belmont Stakes first appear on national television?
The race has been televised nationally since 1948, with CBS serving as the inaugural broadcaster.
Which network held the rights for the longest continuous period?
CBS held the broadcasting rights for the longest continuous stretch, airing the race from 1953 to 1985.
Who is the current broadcaster for the Belmont Stakes?
Fox is the current network broadcaster, having taken over the rights in 2023.
How long is the current broadcasting deal with Fox?
The current deal with Fox is scheduled to expire after the 2030 Belmont Stakes.
Did NBC broadcast the race before the 21st century?
Yes, NBC broadcast the Belmont Stakes from 1950 to 1952 before returning to coverage in 2001.