If you’re anywhere near Baltimore, Md., on Saturday, May 17, you have to get to Pimlico Race Course. Not only will Pimlico host the second leg of horse racing’s 2025 Triple Crown, it’ll be the final time that the Preakness Stakes will be held at the historic facility. At some point in late June or early July, Pimlico will be demolished and redeveloped with an eye toward the Preakness returning there in 2027 (the Preakness will be held at Laurel Park in Laurel, Md., in 2026).

Seeing as it’s the last in a long and storied run of Preakness Stakes to be run at the current Pimlico, anyone on site for the Preakness this year can say they were a part of history. While VIP, premium tickets and upscale seating are largely sold out for the Preakness, there are lots of great options for tickets where I’ve personally enjoyed the Preakness before – among the crowds of cheering fans in the grandstand and clubhouse sections of good ol’ Pimlico.

Tickets with Track View

Pimlico grandstand seating. (Eclipse Sportswire)

Grandstand Boxes

If you don’t want to be on your feet all day, there are still seats that can be had in the grandstand apron boxes (outdoors/uncovered) which puts you eye-level with the horses as they storm by in the stretch. There are also grandstand lower boxes (also outdoors/uncovered) which are on the second floor and allow for a better overhead view of the track from the start to the finish of each race.

If you don’t want to take any chances with the weather, grandstand upper reserve boxes are indoors. These seats, like many around Pimlico, are old stadium seats that have been around since the mid 1950s. From these very seats, generations of fans watched legends of the Preakness as they crossed the finish line, including the likes of Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, American Pharoah, and Justify (OK, well maybe not Justify since the rain was so heavy and the fog was so thick that day).

Clubhouse Box

These are some of my favorite seats in the house. They put you just past the finish line and right near the clubhouse turn, where you can watch the horses and their jockeys maneuver for early position in each race. It’s also where you get to watch the horses gallop out immediately following each race. These are a bit more upscale than the grandstand boxes and worth the splurge if you want a little more comfort and a cooler view.

More Great Options

Carmelo Anthony (Stephen McCarthy/Collision via Sportsfile)

Afropreak

Moving into the infield, this will be the fourth year that the Afropreak Lounge is being activated. Afropreak was launched to shine a spotlight on Baltimore’s vibrant cultural and culinary scene. This year, it’ll be hosted by one of my favorite all-time athletes (and fellow Syracuse University alumnus) Carmelo Anthony. Tickets include access to the climate-controlled covered lounge, premium food, cash bars, wagering stations, on-the-rail race views, executive restrooms, and the DMV’s hottest DJs. The emphasis is on blending Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latino music, food and style into a dynamic infield experience. A curated lineup of local food and beverage vendors – including Peruvian Bros, Brookside Market, Box Hill and Hoodfella will serve signature dishes across all hospitality areas. Premium hospitality will be led by Maryland’s Ridgewells Catering.

Infield Fan Zone

If you’re looking for an all-day rager, this is probably your spot. Experience Preakness 150 from the all-new Infield Fan Zone, hosted by NFL Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis. Under a covered tent on the inside rail, enjoy bottomless wine and beer, music and entertainment, and live wagering on all of the racing action. This area is also surrounded by a food village and here’s another perk – ABR will be streaming live from inside the Fan Zone tent starting at 3 p.m. ET on Preakness Day.

Other Attractions To Look Out For

To send off Preakness 150 in grand style, the day will also feature the return of three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Wyclef Jean. He’s scheduled to perform a multi-song live set, including one of his greatest hits for the national NBC broadcast. You can watch these performances from the grandstand, VIP hospitality areas or livestream throughout the venue. Finally, the Preakness festivities will be capped off by GRAMMY Award-winning artist, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur and global cultural icon T-Pain, who will perform immediately following the final race.