Baltimore, MD – On Wednesday, December 11, Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, Governor Wes Moore, Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott, and the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (Sport Corp) gathered at the Warehouse at Camden Yards to preview plans for the new Preakness Festival and reimagined celebration of the iconic Preakness Stakes. The new vision will expand the race’s economic impact; strengthen Maryland’s tourism and hospitality sectors; and engage small, minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, uplifting the event as a point of pride for all Marylanders.
Here’s what Maryland’s leaders are saying about how Preakness 150 will continue elevating Maryland’s future:
“The Preakness has long been a symbol of pride for Maryland and Baltimore,” said Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. “As we celebrate 150 years of this cherished tradition, we look ahead with hope and excitement. The reimagined Preakness promises to spotlight local businesses, cuisine, and artists, showcasing the vibrant culture that makes Pimlico a horse racing icon and Maryland a premier destination for equine events.”
“In 2025, the Preakness Stakes will be memorialized as the 150th running of the world’s most elite thoroughbreds and their jockeys right here, at Pimlico Race Course, in Baltimore,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The newly conceived Preakness Festival would boost the elation, anticipation, and participation of Marylanders and fans from across the country and serve as an economic driver in our City and State for this landmark day.”
“As we look forward to the 150th Preakness Stakes, 1/ST is proud to join Governor Wes Moore, First Lady Dawn Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott as part of the Preakness 150 Festival Committee,” said 1/ST Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Belinda Stronach. “This historic event provides an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the legendary Preakness as we shine a spotlight on the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. 1/ST is committed to working together with all stakeholders to introduce a bright new future for thoroughbred racing in Maryland.”
“The Running of the 150th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico will be a great event and a great benefit for the Park Heights community, the Baltimore Metropolitan area, and the state of Maryland,” said Maryland Delegate Samuel Rosenberg. “History has been made at Pimlico: Seabiscuit won his match race. Secretariat took the lead on the clubhouse turn, one of 13 Triple Crown winners. History will be made in 2027 when, under the leadership and vision of Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott, the Preakness will return to a new Pimlico.”
“Keeping the Preakness at Pimlico and establishing the race track as a year-round destination for thoroughbred racing guarantees that our community will keep a powerful economic engine for years to come, and will help revitalize our community,” said Baltimore City Councilman Isaac “Yitzy” Schleifer. “The Pimlico Racetrack has been an important part of my council district’s cultural fabric for decades, and guaranteeing that good-paying jobs and vital tourism dollars will flow is crucial to building a better future for our residents.”
“The 150th Preakness Stakes has the ability to produce a sizable and equitable economic benefit for our merchants,” said Park Heights Renaissance Chief Executive Officer Yolanda Jiggetts. “Historically, local businesses have lost revenue during the event, and we now look forward to this national event benefiting the entire Park Heights community.”
As the passionate owners of Cuples Tea House and Vinyl and Pages, my wife Lynnette and I are dedicated to celebrating culture, community, and creativity as a proud Black and woman-owned business,” said Cuples Tea Owner Eric Dodson. “Our partnership with Preakness over the past two years has been an incredible opportunity to elevate the brand while honoring Baltimore’s rich equestrian heritage. Events like Preakness not only shine a spotlight on local businesses but also highlight the vital role of minority-owned enterprises in shaping the city’s vibrant character. For us, Preakness is a meaningful platform to share our passion for tea, music, and Black literature, fostering connections that strengthen the community and drive the success of small businesses.”
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Contact
Matt Lund | Maroon PR | Mlund@MaroonPR.com | 443-983-0215
Emma Hottel | Maroon PR | EmmaH@MaroonPR.com | 410-739-8242
