Pimlico To Host 10,000 Fans For Preakness 2021

BALTIMORE, MD — Preakness organizers said 10,000 people will be allowed to attend this year's race, which will take place Saturday, May 15, at Pimilico Race Course in Baltimore.

“While fan attendance will be limited due to COVID-19 protocols, the excitement of the Preakness is not limited," said Brenda Stronach, CEO and president of 1/ST, which is organizing the event.

Preakness 146 weekend will open Friday, May 14, with the $250,000 George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, which organizers said was renamed last year to honor the late George E. Mitchell and his work in Park Heights.

The 146th running of the $1 million Preakness Stakes the next day will feature Thoroughbred horse racing for a total of$3.25 million in purse winnings.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome fans back to Pimlico Race Course for Preakness 146," Stronach said.

The race — traditionally the second jewel in the Triple Crown — was postponed to Oct. 3 last year due to the coronavirus. No fans were permitted in 2020; only essential racing personnel and horsemen were allowed at Pimlico the day of the Preakness.

Under normal circumstances, capacity at Pimlico Race Course for the Preakness Stakes is 109, 748.

Ticket Information

Those who carried over their tickets from Preakness 145 due to COVID-19 restrictions can book their seats starting Wednesday, March 24, in the nearest equivalent area for this year’s event.

A limited number of tickets will go on sale Monday, April 5, according to the Maryland Jockey Club, which hosts the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan Day.

People can also email tix@preakness.com or call the Preakness 146 Box Office toll-free at 1-877-206-8042, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Corporate Village Suites will be available, with tickets there ranging from $150 to $500 and pricing available by request for suites as a whole. These are described as luxury open-air cabanas with "lounge seating and the best race-day views from their new spot on the home stretch."

Virtual And Safety Elements

State and local leaders celebrated the announcement that fans would return to Preakness.

“Having fans back at Pimlico is another sign we are on the road back to normal, and I look forward to once again presenting the Woodlawn Vase," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement. "I want to thank 1/ST and The Maryland Jockey Club for working to ensure that all the proper safety and public health protocols will be in place for Preakness 146."

Safety protocols for Preakness 146 will include thermal temperature scans on arrival, expedited entry for fully vaccinated guests, enforced physical distancing and queue line markers, increased sanitation, hand sanitizing stations and a mandatory masking policy, organizers said.

“The Preakness is a Baltimore staple and the center of American horseracing since 1870. I am excited to welcome fans back to Pimlico Race Course in Park Heights,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said in a statement. “Sustaining the health and safety of Baltimore residents is my top priority, and I am confident the staff at 1/ST and the Maryland Jockey Club will protect the health of fans by following the safety guidelines set forth by the City of Baltimore and State of Maryland.”

Seating and dining have been reconfigured to promote distancing and safety protocols, while the InfieldFest has transformed into a virtual event this year. Called Preakness LIVE, the event will be livestreamed and feature musical entertainment celebrating Baltimore. Organizers said Tuesday that ticket information for Preakness LIVE will be announced in the coming weeks.

NBC Sports will broadcast the Preakness from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 15. Extended coverage will start at 2 p.m. Those who want to bet at the track and virtually can use the 1/ST BET app.

See Also:

• Preakness Stakes 2021 Date Is Set
• No Fans At Preakness Stakes For 2020
• Limits On MD Dining, Bars, Gyms End Soon; Camden Yards Can Open
• Baltimore Orioles To Start Season With Reduced Capacity