Limited tickets available for 151st Preakness Stakes after venue change

Attendance expected to shrink to under 5,000 due to temporary move to smaller Laurel Park

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Tickets are now on sale for the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes, but due to a temporary venue change from the typical Pimlico Race Course to the much smaller Laurel Park, attendance is expected to be significantly limited this year to fewer than 5,000 people, a far cry from the typical 140,000 that the "People's Race" attracts.

Why it matters

The Preakness Stakes is a beloved Maryland tradition and one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the country, so the dramatic reduction in capacity due to the venue change is disappointing for many long-time fans who look forward to the annual celebration and party atmosphere.

The details

With Pimlico Race Course undergoing major redevelopment, the 151st Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park, which has a capacity of under 5,000 compared to the typical 140,000 at Pimlico. Of the limited tickets available, only 1,000 are general admission priced at $285, while the most expensive Turfside Terrace seats are selling for around $1,700. Infield tickets, traditionally popular with younger racegoers, will not be available this year.

  • The Preakness 151 will be run on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
  • The Preakness Stakes is expected to return to Pimlico in 2027 once redevelopment is complete.

The players

Pimlico Race Course

The traditional home of the Preakness Stakes, which is undergoing a major redevelopment and will be closed for construction in 2026.

Laurel Park

The much smaller venue that will host the 151st Preakness Stakes in 2026 while Pimlico is being rebuilt, with a capacity of under 5,000 compared to the typical 140,000 at Pimlico.

Terry Chapman

A longtime Preakness fan who acknowledges the event's significance as "The People's Race and The People's Party" in Maryland.

Keara Schultz

A Baltimore resident who notes that the limited capacity and high ticket prices will likely price out younger racegoers who traditionally attend the infield festivities.

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What they’re saying

“It's hard to say it's not the crown jewel. It gives you exactly what the state is about.”

— Terry Chapman, Longtime Preakness fan (cbsnews.com)

“I think the younger crowd would probably go to the infield situation. So this probably limits people who don't have the money to go.”

— Keara Schultz, Baltimore resident (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Preakness Stakes is expected to return to Pimlico Race Course in 2027 once the redevelopment of the facility is complete.

The takeaway

The dramatic reduction in capacity for the 151st Preakness Stakes due to the temporary venue change from the iconic Pimlico Race Course to the much smaller Laurel Park is a disappointment for many long-time fans who cherish the Preakness as a beloved Maryland tradition and large-scale celebration. The limited ticket availability and high prices will likely price out younger racegoers who have traditionally flocked to the infield festivities, raising concerns about the future accessibility and spirit of the event.