7 Things To Know About The 2014 Preakness: Post Time, Odds, If You're Going, And More

And ... Around the stretch we go — to the 2014 running of the Preakness Stakes.

Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown, is Saturday, May 17.

While it's a horse race for most of the world, for many Marylanders the trip to Pimlico is just one, huge party, especially in the infield, where beer is consumed faster than any horse can run.

There are plenty of activities already happening, which you can find here.

Going or not, here are seven questions to help you out.

1. Which horse is favored?

Not surprisingly, California Chrome, winner of the Kentucky Derby, is the favorite. Full Preakness odds can be found here.


2. What time is the actual race and where can I see it on TV?

NBC begins its television coverage at 4:30 p.m., and post time is at 6:18 p.m.


3. What time does it start if I'm going?

Gates open 8 a.m. First race is at noon. 


4. Any reason to go if I don't like horse racing?

For many people in Maryland, attending Preakness is a right of passage, a must-do — at least (and maybe at most) once. Entertainment this year includes Switchfoot, Eli Young Band, Sundy Best and Go Go Gadjet will perform on the Jägermeister Stage. The “Preakness Concert Series” also includes performances by Counting Crows, The Fray and Annie Bosko in the infield on Black-Eyed Susan Day, Friday, May 16.

5. What's the ticket situation?

Infield tickets are $90 and go up from there. Some grandstand sections are sold out. To see prices and what's remaining, go here.

6. Can I bring my own alcohol?

The days of wheeling in your shopping cart full of beer are over at Pimlico. But you can bring non-alcoholic drinks and your own lunch, if you'd like. Backpacks, duffle bags and a lot of other items aren't allowed. See the full list of what you can bring and what you can't here.

7. Anything else I should know?

Lots. Visit the Preakness website for pretty much any question you'll have the day of Preakness. Note that you will not find answers on the site that you may have Sunday about what you did Saturday.