Preakness Ticket Sales Up 11% Over Same Time Last Year, Eyes Record Attendance

Ticket sales for the 141th Preakness Stakes "are up" 11% over the same time last year, and expectations are that the event will be "sold out prior to the May 21 race," according to Joshua Gordon of the BALTIMORE BUSINESS JOURNAL. The race drew a record crowd of 123,469 in '14, which was "beat only a year later when 131,680 fans showed up" last year. Maryland Jockey Club GM Sal Sinatra said that an added section to the Turfside Terrace "allowed them to bring in 225 more seats." Pimlico also "increased the popular mug club by 1,500 tickets and brought in a big infield LED board to improve the race day experience." This year's Preakness InfieldFest will feature The Chainsmokers as "the headlining act prior to the start of the race," while rapper Fetty Wap "will also perform." Black-Eyed Susan Day on Friday also is "expected to see higher than normal attendance." The Friday races typically draw "around 35,000 visitors at Old Hilltop, but Sinatra expects more than 40,000 people this year" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 5/11).