BALTIMORE — Maryland's most cherished tradition, the Preakness Stakes, is all set to grace Pimlico Race Course this spring. It will be the final time before a massive construction project breathes new life into the track and the community. The 150th edition of the Preakness, marked as Preakness 150, is scheduled to take place on May 17, 2025, and will be accompanied by a week-long festival that celebrates this iconic horse race.

Transforming the Celebration

Christian Johansson, the chairman of Stella May Contracting, emphasizes the need to transform how the city and the state celebrate and support the Preakness. "We aim to create a celebration that will endure for generations to come, not just for this 150th year," he says. Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore got the inspiration after witnessing Louisville's grand celebration of the Kentucky Derby. "I was truly inspired and realized that Maryland could have its own unique celebration, and in fact, we can do it even better," she shares.The new festival will showcase a diverse range of cultural events, arts activities, and other engaging programming at prominent locations across the state. This is made possible through the collaborative efforts of public and private stakeholders.Maryland's equine industry plays a significant role, accounting for 25% of the state's agricultural base, providing roughly 28,000 jobs and generating $3 billion in total economic impact. The festival's goal is to extend this economic influence into tourism and hospitality, benefiting local small businesses.Maryland Gov. Wes Moore highlights the importance of this transformation. "We envision a future where Baltimore is on the path of growth, thriving, and taking the lead. The work we are doing is not just important; it is essential," he states.

Renovations at Pimlico

Pimlico Race Course is gearing up for a full-scale renovation in 2026. Recent infrastructural challenges at the race course have brought to the forefront the need for stadium improvements. The Maryland Stadium Authority has been authorized to finance up to $400 million in state bonds for the rebuild, design, and construction of Pimlico.The planned development includes a state-of-the-art clubhouse, stables capable of accommodating approximately 700 horses, event spaces, and a hotel to be constructed by a private partner. The design also incorporates structured parking and workforce housing in the Park Heights neighborhood, as per the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority.Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who grew up in Park Heights, emphasizes the importance of bringing the surrounding communities into the fold. "Although the Preakness was held in Northwest Baltimore, it was clear that it was not just for that area. Through these renovations, we are starting to change that narrative," he says.A separate training facility with a capacity of about 650 horses will be developed, maintaining the combined stabling capacity of 1,400 horses currently shared between Laurel Park and Pimlico. The redevelopment is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Baltimore and the community hosting the training center. Officials project 140 to 160 racing days annually at Pimlico, and the facility will include a 1,000-seat event space and a new hotel.During the renovation period, the Preakness Stakes will relocate to Laurel Park in 2026. This temporary move allows for the construction of the new facilities at Pimlico.