BALTIMORE — The track and the infield will probably be muddy, but the biggest party race of the run to the Triple Crown will go off as scheduled Saturday at the historic Pimlico Race Course outside Baltimore.
Justify, who won the Kentucky Derby earlier this month, will continue his quest for the Triple Crown. He drew the seventh position in the eight-horse field, but still enters Saturday’s race as the heavy favorite.
The Triple Crown quest concludes with the Belmont Stakes on June 9.
The Preakness is known for its rowdy revelers along the infield at Pimlico, where thousands gather to party during race day.
Whether you’re heading for Baltimore or just watching from home, here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s festivities:
The 143rd Preakness Stakes
Where: Pimlico Race Course, located at 5201 Park Heights Avenue, is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Baltimore.
When: Gates at Pimlico open at 8 a.m. on the day of the race. Entrances for the Budweiser Infieldfest, Turfside Terrace and Preakness village (all located on the infield of the track) open at 9:30. The first of the day’s races begin at 10 a.m. Post-time for the Preakness is scheduled for 6:20 p.m.
TV Coverage: NBC’s coverage begins at 5 p.m.
If You’re Going: Tickets for the Budweiser Infieldfiest, are $100. Grandstand and premium ticket information can be found here.
The Budweiser Infieldfest will feature musical guests Post Malone, Odesza, 21 Savage, Frank Walker, and Vice.
Parking at Pimlico can be a nightmare. If you do drive, try to get there as early as possible — and look for lawn parking at some of the homes in the area (don’t worry; it’s an expected part of the scene and probably a good source of income for the race track’s neighbors).
But it’s probably a better idea to take public transportation to the track. MTA buses, Metro subways, the Light Rail and shuttle bus service is available, or you can always try Uber or Lyft.
- Take a shuttle bus to the Metro Station at Hayward Avenue and Park Heights Ave. (Saturday only)
- Shuttle to the Light Rail at Belvedere Avenue and Park Heights Avenue (Saturday only)
- For more information, call (866) 743-3682 or visit mtamaryland.com.
More Info: 2018 Preakness Information Guide
THE RACE
Saturday’s Lineup
Photos courtesy of Preakness.com and Getty Images
