johnnyroadtrip.com - Preakness Stakes Travel Information

The Preakness Stakes - Second Jewel of the Triple Crown

The granstand at Pimilco race course, home of the Preakness

The Preakness is held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore two weeks after the Kentucky Derby (the third Saturday in May). The race is the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown; the Belmont follows three weeks later.

Preakness Tickets

Tickets to the Preakness grandstand sell out completely a few weeks before the race. Tickets to the best seats are gone well in advance. For information, call 877-206-8042.

The Preakness grandstand crowd, while not as formal as the Kentucky Derby patrons, is still a party for the rich. There is a tunnel connecting the grandstand to the infield, but as at the Derby, the two areas are very different.

To buy Preakness tickets now, click here.

Preakness Infield

Preakness infield tickets are readily available. For the 2005 race, infield prices are $40 in advance and $50 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased in advance at BP stations around Baltimore, or by calling 877-206-8042.

The infield at Preakness as the day wears on

Infield gates open at 8:30am. You are permitted to bring beer and wine in cans or plastic bottles into the Preakness infield. This turns the infield into a huge mass of drunken humanity as the day wears on (see pictures above and below). Infield restrictions are minimal; you may bring coolers, but you may not bring liquor, glass, barbecues, or bulk carrying devices (including trash cans). Infield coolers must be no larger than 28x15x15.

If you're sitting in the grandstand, there are several security measures in place. Coolers and backpacks are not allowed. Food and drinks must be carried into the grandstand in clear plastic bags or clear containers measuring no more 18 inches square. Again, these rules apply only to the grandstand; backpacks and coolers are permitted in the infield.

Preakness Travel Information

Flights into Baltimore are available close to race day. Baltimore is very cheap to fly into from most cities because of the presence of Southwest Airlines. Book your flight through johnnyroadtrip.com!

Hotels around Baltimore are still available close to Preakness weekend if you're willing to stay outside of downtown. Since Pimlico is located in the northern part of the city, Towson may be your best bet. Downtown hotels tend to fill up early. See the Baltimore Hotels page for hotel info.

Transportation around Baltimore gets a little tied up for Preakness weekend. Cab fares do not increase, and given the crowded downtown area are probably your best transportation option during the weekend.

Future Preakness Dates

The Preakness is always held the third Saturday in May.

2007 - May 19 2007 PREAKNESS TICKETS PREAKNESS HOTELS

2008 - May 17 2008 PREAKNESS TICKETS PREAKNESS HOTELS

2009 - May 16 2009 PREAKNESS TICKETS PREAKNESS HOTELS

2010 - May 15 2010 PREAKNESS TICKETS PREAKNESS HOTELS