• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 6, 2025

Forgotten No More As Pimlico Finally Could Gain Much-Needed Upgrades

  • Maryland legislators are considering $400 million in bond funding for the home of the Preakness Stakes.
  • The developing effort adds to a historic wave of sports change in the Baltimore-Washington region.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The often-overlooked middle leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown is poised to see a significant facility upgrade, one that will both bring it closer to parity with the sport’s other two marquee races, and also add to a historic sports-related transformation unfolding across the Baltimore-Washington region.

Maryland’s legislature, which has less than a month remaining in its current session, is now considering a $400 million bond measure that would rebuild Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, a 153-year-old facility that hosts the Preakness Stakes each year but has fallen into disrepair. The latest plan, advancing upon both a prior effort detailed in January and a separate blueprint from 2020, would see the Stronach Group transfer ownership of the racetrack to a newly created state-led nonprofit organization.

The measure in part represents a catch-up move for the Preakness Stakes and Pimlico following other work already finished or underway for the sites of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Louisville’s Churchill Downs is completing a $200 million capital improvement in time for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in May, while Belmont Park is getting a $455 million makeover that will relocate the 2024 Belmont Stakes to Saratoga Race Course and potentially the 2025 race as well.

In addition to upgrades to the racetrack itself, other components include a hotel and event center, parking garage, and a new training facility. 

“Every 10 years, the legislature tried to solve the problem, and every 10 years, they kicked the can down the road with Band-Aids,” said Greg Cross, chair of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. “This is the first time we’re actually doing something new.”

Capital Change

The Pimlico renovations now under consideration add to arguably the most change-filled eight months in the Mid-Atlantic pro sports history. Just since last July, both the Commanders and Orioles have been sold, efforts advanced to build a new venue on the RFK Stadium site, funding was approved to renovate Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis has attempted and initially failed in his attempt to build a $2 billion arena in Alexandria., Va., and the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network is entering a new era with regard to both distribution on dominant cable carrier Comcast and rights fees paid to the Orioles and Nationals. 

If the Pimlico funding effort is successful, the Preakness Stakes would relocate in 2026 to nearby Laurel Park before returning to Baltimore the following year.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Lurie Not Interested in Celtics; Considering Eagles Stadium Options

The Eagles owner has been reported as a potential Celtics bidder.
Feb 3, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans Saints Locker Room.

Goodell: 18-Game NFL Season Not on Table Until CBA Talks Begin

Goodell won’t negotiate an 18-game season until collective bargaining talks begin.
Aug 22, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) talks with home plate umpire Pat Hoberg as Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) adjusts his PitchCom device during the second inning at Minute Maid Park.

MLB Fires Umpire Pat Hoberg: Third Gambling Scandal in Under a Year

The league terminates the umpire for failing to uphold the game’s integrity.

Super Bowl LIX Eyes TV Ratings Record With Nielsen Expansion

The measurement agency expands its capabilities to count out-of-home viewing.

Featured Today

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Kristin Juszczyk, wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk (44), before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi's Stadium.
February 1, 2025

The New WAGs: Sports Wives Building Business Empires

Athletes’ wives and girlfriends are bucking stereotypes and cashing in.
Feb 3, 2019; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears mascot dances on the court during a stoppage in play in the second half against the Stanford Cardinal at Haas Pavilion.
January 31, 2025

The Toll of Bicoastal Travel on New ACC Members Cal and Stanford

Cal and Stanford face missed flights, chaotic sleep schedules, and academic demands.
January 28, 2025

It’s Starting to Pay to Be Good at Cornhole

American Cornhole League players made $7.7 million in 2024.

Commanders Don’t Yet Control RFK Stadium Site. An Architect Has Grand Plans..

Architect Kyle Murphy seeks a “truly national stadium.”
January 16, 2025

Caitlin Clark Effect Fuels Fever’s New $78M Downtown Training Center

The WNBA club is the latest to develop a new practice facility.
January 27, 2025

Rays Stadium Deal in Trouble: Owner Raises Concerns Over Funding Delays

The MLB club still has concerns about an agreed-to stadium deal.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball while looking for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field.
January 15, 2025

Cleveland Countersues Browns As Stadium Dispute Escalates

The Browns want to build a $2.4 billion dome in the suburbs.
Apr 7, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A general view of fans outside of Truist Park before the game on Opening Day between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.
January 14, 2025

Philly Rips Page From Rival Playbook With Sports Complex Revamp

Philadelphia’s mayor frequently touts the influential Braves development.
January 13, 2025

76ers Choose to Stay in South Philly, Scarred by Protests and Opposition

The pact also includes Comcast acquiring a stake in the 76ers.
Josh Harris
January 13, 2025

Commanders, Sixers Owner Josh Harris Had a Wild, Historic Sunday

The tri-city team owner crossed two big milestones Sunday.