Preakness stays in Baltimore through 2020, future is unclear

BALTIMORE — The Preakness will at least be in Baltimore for one more year, but the future remains unclear.

As the state legislature prepares to hear two bills which would make a move of the Preakness from Baltimore to Laurel possible, Pimlico's owners said Laurel Park isn't ready yet.

The Preakness will go on as scheduled this May in Baltimore.

Laurel Park is in the midst of a renovation plan as the group also supports the bills to fund $120-million in improvements at the Laurel Track and Bowie Training Center instead of Pimlico.

A new and improved Laurel Park would make it easier to move the Preakness. The state law allows for the Preakness to leave Pimlico only in the event of an emergency.

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh is encouraging citizens to attend a rally Friday at the state house to show their support for Pimlico as the bills affecting its future are heard.

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“As I’ve said time and time again, for those who've not heard or aren't listening, that this is Baltimore’s, this is like our super bowl, every single year. We get to showcase our city, we get to share it with the rest of the world, and we believe in Pimlico, and the investments that will take place.” Said Mayor Pugh.

The hope is the investment in Pimlico would extend beyond the track's gates and into the surrounding the Park Heights neighborhood as Lifebridge plans an expansion of Sinai Hospital.