Preakness 148, one of Thoroughbred horse racing’s most prestigious events, returns to Pimlico Race Course featuring a weekend of world-class racing, entertainment and hospitality. Preakness 148 celebrations include Maryland’s best infield experience – Preakness LIVE featuring fourteen-time GRAMMY Award-winner Bruno Mars, who will headline Preakness LIVE immediately following the races on Saturday, May 20.
This year Preakness LIVE will take over the Pimlico infield evolving the Infield Fest experience to usher in a new era for live music, entertainment, arts and culture on Preakness day. Celebrated singer, songwriter, producer and musician Bruno Mars – who has sold over 200 million singles worldwide – will return to the legendary Pimlico infield to bring his 24-karat magic back to Baltimore, 11-years after his first performance at the Preakness. Preakness LIVE will feature a full day of live music and entertainment beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 20 with performances by Grammy nominated musical duo SOFI TUKKER, DJ Chantel Jeffries, Martin 2 Smoove and many more.
Preakness LIVE is an integral part of Baltimore 1/ST, a campaign launched in 2022 by The Stronach Group’s 1/ST brand in collaboration with Baltimore’s Kevin Liles, Chairman & CEO of 300 Elektra Entertainment, Co-Founder & CEO of 300 Entertainment, and Head of 300 Studios, and in consultation with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, to champion the event’s connection to Baltimore by leveraging the Preakness platform to highlight the city’s rich entertainment, arts and community culture.
“Preakness LIVE celebrates Baltimore and reflects the vibrant energy, rich diversity and forward momentum of this great city,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairwoman, Chief Executive Officer and President, The Stronach Group and 1/ST. “We are thrilled to be back and working with Mayor Scott, Kevin Liles and many cultural and community leaders, to strengthen and evolve the rich heritage of the Preakness and the connection we have with our fans and the amazing people of Baltimore.”
“As a native son of Baltimore, I welcome every opportunity to shine a light on this city that I love so much,” said Kevin Liles. “Collaborating with 1/ST, Mayor Brandon Scott, and the Park Heights community on the Preakness LIVE celebration provides another chance to unite our great city through sports and entertainment. I was so proud to be a part of last year’s inaugural event, showcasing the rich culture that Baltimore has to offer. This year, I look forward to building on that ideal, and welcome my good friend Bruno Mars to the Preakness LIVE stage.”
Preakness LIVE will shine a spotlight on Baltimore’s vibrant art scene with the return of the infield art garden featuring unique works by local artists using shipping containers as a canvas, provided by Ports America Chesapeake and in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Art & Culture. An installation of selected works of art from the Preakness Art of Racing in collaboration with Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) will also be on display. The winning artwork of The Art of Racing will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness merchandise available for sale during Preakness 148, the proceeds of which will be used to support the activities of Park Heights Renaissance, a non-profit organization that provides employment opportunities and pursues affordable housing for members of the Park Heights community.
Baltimore’s culinary culture will be given a showcase in the Pimlico infield featuring pop-ups by local restaurants serving signature favorites to the crowd. This year the inclusion of local culinary offerings will extend beyond Preakness LIVE with catering partners Baltimore’s Atlas Restaurant Group and the woman-owned Maryland based brand, Ridgewells. Hiatus Cheesecake founded by Baltimore’s Matthew Featherstone will provide desserts for Preakness 148 guests.
As part of the evolution of the experience, the Preakness LIVE stage, once positioned in the center of the Pimlico infield, will relocate to provide an unparalleled view of one of the most exciting moments in horse racing – the view of the final stretch brought to you in partnership with luxury global entertainment and hospitality brand, Palm Tree Crew.
The reimagined infield layout will include a 1/ST wagering activation, modeled after a modern sportsbook equipped with betting ambassadors to introduce and educate a new audience to betting.
Tickets for Preakness LIVE, including for the fan favorite Mug Club and limited availability VIP experiences are on sale now and can be purchased at www.preakness.com/preakness-live with General Admission starting at $59. Preakness LIVE hospitality offerings are presented in consultation with Karlitz & Company.
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