You probably heard the buzz. Or maybe you saw the photos of the "Black-Eyed Susans" flying everywhere. If you missed it, the 2025 Preakness Stakes date was Saturday, May 17, 2025. It wasn't just another horse race. It was the big 150th anniversary. The sesquicentennial. Try saying 그게 (that) three times fast.
Honestly, it felt a bit like a funeral and a massive party all at once. Why? Because it was the final time the race was held at the "Old Hilltop" as we know it. Pimlico Race Course is basically a construction site now.
The 2025 Preakness Stakes Date and Why It Felt Different
The third Saturday in May is a tradition that rarely moves. Rain or shine, Baltimore shows up. On May 17, the gates at Pimlico opened at 9 a.m. sharp. People were wearing hats that cost more than their rent. By the time the main event rolled around with a post time of 7:01 p.m. ET, the energy was vibrating.
Journalism won. Not the career—the horse.
A lot of people were skeptical about Journalism after a rough outing at the Kentucky Derby. But jockey Umberto Rispoli found a seam. He surged late. He won the $2 million purse. The winning time was 1:55.37. It was a gutsy performance that silenced a lot of the critics who thought the 8-5 morning line was too generous.
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Beyond the Race: The Final Bow for Pimlico
If you were there, you saw it. The cracks in the concrete. The sense of "this is the end." Shortly after the 2025 Preakness Stakes date, the heavy machinery moved in.
- Demolition of the barns started in July 2025.
- The old grandstand is being replaced by a smaller, modern facility.
- The state took over management from the Stronach Group.
- Total redevelopment costs are hovering around $400 million.
It’s a massive gamble. The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) is trying to save the sport in the state. For years, people argued about whether to stay at Pimlico or move to Laurel Park. The 150th running was the definitive answer: they’re staying, but they’re rebuilding everything from the dirt up.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Triple Crown
Sovereignty won the Derby. Everyone expected a Triple Crown chase. Then the news dropped: Sovereignty was skipping Baltimore.
Bill Mott, the trainer, decided to focus on the Belmont Stakes instead. People were furious. Fans felt cheated. "The Triple Crown is dead," they said on Twitter. But honestly? It made for a more competitive race at Pimlico. Without a massive favorite hogging the spotlight, horses like Gosger (who finished second) and Sandman (third) actually had a shot.
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It’s a weird era for the sport. The gaps between races are under heavy scrutiny. Some experts think three races in five weeks is too much for modern thoroughbreds. Others think changing the schedule ruins the "Crown." Whatever side you’re on, the May 17 race proved that even without a Triple Crown on the line, the Preakness still draws a massive TV audience on NBC and Peacock.
The Logistics Nobody Talks About
Getting to Pimlico is always a nightmare. If you didn't take the Metro SubwayLink to Rogers Avenue or the Light Rail to Cold Spring Lane, you were probably stuck in traffic for two hours. The $4.20 day pass is the best secret in Baltimore sports.
The infield was a whole other world. T-Pain and Wyclef Jean performed. Ray Lewis hosted a new "Infield Fan Zone." It was 21+ and had unlimited beer and wine. You can imagine how that ended. It’s a far cry from the "Old Hilltop" days of the 1970s, but it keeps the lights on.
What’s Next for the Preakness?
Don't go looking for tickets at Pimlico next year. It won't be there.
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Since the 150th anniversary is over, the race is moving temporarily. The 2026 Preakness Stakes will be held at Laurel Park. It’s going to be weird seeing the middle jewel of the Triple Crown at a different track, but it's the only way to get the new Pimlico ready for 2027.
If you’re planning ahead, here is the roadmap:
- 2026: The race moves to Laurel Park while Pimlico is a pile of rubble.
- 2027: The Preakness returns to a brand-new, "boutique" Pimlico.
- Future: All Maryland racing will eventually consolidate at the new Baltimore site.
The Woodlawn Vase—that $4 million silver trophy—is back in the Baltimore Museum of Art under heavy guard. Journalism has carved his name into history. And the fans are waiting to see if a temporary move to Laurel Park will kill the vibe or just make the 2027 homecoming even bigger.
Actionable Next Steps:
- If you’re a bettor, keep an eye on Journalism’s upcoming starts; he proved he’s more than just a Derby fluke.
- Start looking at Laurel Park logistics for 2026, as the "traditional" Baltimore travel routes won't apply.
- Check the Maryland Stadium Authority website for construction updates if you want to see the progress on the new Pimlico.