The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Working Authority (MTROA) met July 15 to debate preparations for the a hundred and fiftieth Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course Could 17, 2025.
The Monday assembly initially was scheduled for the tip of the month, however was moved as much as accommodate a presentation by the Sport and Leisure Company of Maryland, a nonprofit affiliated basis of the Maryland Sports activities Fee that incubates, produces occasions, and delivers management by means of sports activities within the state of Maryland.
In cooperation with the MTROA, the group is growing a public-private partnership group and management committee to host and ship celebratory actions main as much as and across the a hundred and fiftieth Preakness.
“Baltimoreans, Marylanders, and our guests can take part in, witness, and luxuriate in actions every year in celebration of the historical past, longevity, and tradition derived across the Preakness on an annual foundation,” mentioned Terrance Hasseltine, president of the Sport and Leisure Company of Maryland.
Hasseltine mentioned the long-term purpose is to ascertain a sustainable mannequin much like the Derby Competition in Louisville, Ky., which hosts annual celebratory occasions all through April within the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby. In accordance with the Derby Competition’s web site, a 2011 examine performed by the College of Louisville’s MBA program estimated the annual total financial impression of the Derby Competition at round $127.9 million.
The Pimlico facility and the race’s reputation have declined lately.
“Prior to now, there have been Preakness festivals which have constructed as much as the Preakness and promoted the Preakness as a bigger civic occasion,” MTROA Chairman Greg Cross mentioned. “Over the previous a number of years, these have type of waned. I personally wish to see that reinvigorated as we begin working the Preakness within the new facility.”
The MTROA was transferred possession of the Pimlico facility from The Stronach Group July 1. The state may also take over all common racing and coaching operations Jan. 1. Nonetheless, Cross reiterated that The Stronach Group will nonetheless personal the rights to the Preakness till after the 2026 version.
“We now have no financial stake within the Preakness subsequent yr,” Cross mentioned, “however the neighborhood and the state of Maryland have an unlimited stake in it and we all the time need it to achieve success.
“They’ve the race and we’re making an attempt to advertise to assist them. We’ll do this with them, however that is our effort to advertise round it.”
Hasseltine described the finances for the Preakness 150 mission as a “transferring goal” whereas they determine believable actions, analyze their constraints throughout the Maryland finances, and uncover their capacity to lift funds within the non-public sector.
In accordance with Hasseltine, the pageant may have an “anchor” occasion to rejoice the Preakness. This occasion will seemingly be a prime-time live performance, and talks are already underway with the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles about an thought of a “mega live performance” being held at certainly one of their stadiums.
The anchor can be supported all through the week by occasions corresponding to fireworks, drone exhibits, balloon glows, and extra.
“We’re taking a number of the current occasions which have occurred previously and re-engaging them and rekindling them and bringing them to the forefront to create per week celebration main into Preakness 150,” Hasseltine mentioned. “Simply construct up the power and momentum.
“These [discussions] are ongoing till we will work out what’s really taking place within the building and improvement of the complicated.”
Development on a brand new Pimlico is ready to start this fall, with all racing and coaching operations ceasing on the Baltimore observe Sept. 1.
Authentic plans referred to as for the demolition of the grandstand and all however three barns forward of the 2025 Preakness, however Cross revealed Monday that the grandstand will stay for yet another yr.
“It was truly rising the fee and never going to avoid wasting us any time and additional complicate issues,” Cross mentioned. “We’re going to tear that down after the Preakness. … It doesn’t delay the timeline, it simply is a solution to save us some cash and make it extra environment friendly.”
Plans name for the 2026 Preakness to be held at Laurel Park whereas building is accomplished at Pimlico previous to the 2027 version.
“The hope can be, if [the festival] is profitable, it’s going to present a template for us transferring ahead,” Cross mentioned. “Once we get to 2027, we’re in the very best place to reinvigorate the Preakness Competition.”
The MTROA board accepted help of the Sport and Leisure Company of Maryland’s Preakness 150 effort with the expectation that they are going to obtain a extra in-depth improvement rollout in about 60 days that may reveal events and conceptual plans.
Yolanda Jiggetts, CEO of Park Heights Renaissance, expressed her pleasure for the mission. Her nonprofit that empowers the native neighborhoods round Pimlico began a neighborhood pageant three years in the past with the identical purpose in thoughts.
“We’re right here to assist,” Jiggetts mentioned. “This sounds prefer it completely enhances what we’re doing already.”
“A part of this course of is to make sure that we’re partaking with neighborhood leaders who’re already performing some stuff and the way can we interconnect these issues to ensure they’re a part of that greater supply of your entire asset that’s the Preakness celebration,” Hasseltine mentioned.
