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  "path": "/news/preakness-kicks-off-laurel-what-you-need-know",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-15T16:28:29.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.fox5dc.com",
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  "textContent": "The 151st running of the Preakness Stakes will take place in Laurel, Maryland this weekend, marking a historic temporary move from its longtime home at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.\n\nThe change comes as Pimlico undergoes a major redevelopment project, bringing the Triple Crown race to Anne Arundel County for the first time.\n\nThe Preakness Stakes will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Laurel Park, with the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes taking place Friday, May 15.\n\nThe race was relocated due to ongoing renovations at Pimlico Race Course.\n\nLaurel Park’s capacity is capped at about 4,800 to 5,000 attendees per day, far below the roughly 140,000 fans who typically attend the Preakness in Baltimore.\n\nAlmost all tickets for both race days are already sold out.\n\nThis marks the first time the Preakness celebrations have been held in Anne Arundel County.\n\nThe venue change also means the race will take place at a much smaller facility. The Laurel Park site is expected to create a more scaled-back atmosphere compared to the massive crowds traditionally seen at Pimlico.\n\nAnne Arundel County Police say they do not expect major traffic congestion because of the reduced attendance, though heavier-than-normal traffic is anticipated around Laurel Park.\n\nOfficers will be stationed along key roads, including:\n\n  * MD-198\n  * Whiskey Bottom Road\n  * Brock Bridge Road\n\n\n\nNo road closures are expected.\n\nThe MARC Train will offer special service to Laurel Race Track from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C.\n\nShuttles will transport riders between the station and Laurel Park on Friday and Saturday.\n\nParking will be free:\n\n  * at Dorsey Station on Friday and Saturday\n  * at Greenbelt Station on Saturday\n\n\n\nThe Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, held annually two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and before the Belmont Stakes.\n\nThis year, there will be no Triple Crown winner after Kentucky Derby champion Golden Tempo withdrew from the Preakness, extending the streak without a Triple Crown champion to eight years.",
  "title": "Preakness kicks off in Laurel: What you need to know"
}