Cheers echoed across Belmont Park Friday, as thousands of fans returned for the first races at the newly remodeled venue.

It marked a major milestone after three years of renovation.

While construction continues on parts of the project, visitors got their first look at the park's modernized grandstand, with the first two floors currently open to the public.

The renovated facility features four new racing tracks and a larger scoreboard designed to give fans a better view of the action.

In addition to the horse races, attendees were treated to a concert by country music star Dierks Bentley, giving visitors another reason to celebrate the park's reopening.

"It's the community because this is in my backyard. I live in the Elmont area, and I wanted to be a part of history," said Lynette Battle, of Elmont.

The excitement is expected to continue, with the Belmont Stakes scheduled to return to Belmont Park next June.