The Maryland Stadium Authority on December 13 released a report calling for the demolition and rebuilding of Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown. In May 2018, the Baltimore Sun reported that the 2019 Preakness would be run at the circa 1870 track with the race’s home unsure in future years.
The Phase Two report culminated in a concept plan that includes both racing and non-racing uses. As Pimlico is owned by the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) and The Stronach Group of Canada (TSG), this is a hypothetical, conceptual analysis of potential uses that could occur, not a feasibility study of what will occur.
The Preakness program has a total venue capacity of 75,000 which consists of 30,400 premium seats and 44,600 general admission seats. The concept plan includes demolition and removal of all existing structures on the property including the tracks, infield, grandstand, clubhouse, equestrian barns and associated infrastructure.
The tracks and infield would be reconstructed and realigned at a projected cost of $424 million.. Realignment is necessary to accommodate and encourage potential private development around the perimeter of the site. A new 15/16-mile dirt track and 7/8-mile turf track would be constructed. The geometry and distances of the tracks were reviewed/approved by TSG and the Maryland Racing Commission.
In addition, the concept plan includes a new permanent Multi-Use Clubhouse and plaza area referred to as the Palio. Approximately 40% of the premium seating would be accommodated in this permanent facility. The four level Multi-Use Clubhouse is proposed to consist of track view dining, clubs, lounges, suites, rooftop and balcony spaces, administrative offices, racing history center/museum, café, off-track betting, and required service and support functions. The Palio measures 500’x300’ and is the proposed location for the temporary saddling paddock and paddock stalls for the Preakness Stakes. The concept plan also includes site and infrastructure improvements including roadways and on and off-site utilities, vehicle and pedestrian tunnels, pedestrian bridges at track crossings and hardscaped plazas. The cost to construct permanent improvements is $424 million and the estimated construction duration is approximately three years.
The proposal envisions additional non-racing uses for the site. The study recommends that permanent buildings required for racing should be designed to function throughout the year as either enterprise spaces or public spaces that elevate quality of life, education and opportunity.
The infield would be renovated so it can be used for athletic and entertainment events. The Multi-Use Clubhouse is designed to accommodate several non-racing uses including a racing history center/museum with a café, off-track betting/sports book, conferences, meetings, banquets, social and civic events, Esports and non-traditional sporting/competition events such as drone racing. The Palio is designed to be able to host outdoor public concerts, performing arts, festivals and markets.
Around the track, the 110 acre site would be divided into four districts that can be used year-round. A mixed-use development on the northeast side could include a hotel. Homes and commercial businesses are proposed for the northwest side. The southwest side could hold a supermarket and other stores, and on the southeast side, there could be senior living and apartments, according to the study’s recommendations.
The temporary infrastructure required to support the Preakness facility, including tents, power, utilities, fencing, flooring, lighting, signage and Field of Play equipment, requires approximately 390,000 square feet and includes reserved and box eating, suites, bleacher seating, track view dining and hospitality. Build-out is estimated to range from $4.5 million to $5.5 million annually which includes the construction and removal costs of temporary facilities but not operational costs.
The report estimates that direct spending generated by the Preakness is estimated at $33.4 million which produces $58.9 million in total output (the sum of direct, indirect and induced spending) and supports 620 total jobs (full and part time) in Maryland annually. Total earnings (labor income) generated from the Preakness Stakes are estimated to be $24.2 million annually. Total tax revenues from the running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course are estimated to be $5 million annually: $2.3 million at the State level and $2.7 million at the City level.
The report concludes: A logical next step in the planning process is for key stakeholders including MJC/TSG, the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland to agree to execute a formal agreement to enter into future negotiations.