Preakness- Attending-Help

[Fred]

I have an opportunity to attend the Preakness this year and may jump on it. I have never been to Pimlico and I need to verify or nullify some things I have heard.

(1- We have clubhouse seats but we have no idea about parking. We are being told that this is a very bad area and we should take a cab. Is it a bad area? Should we take a cab?

(2-We are staying just north of BWI. We were told the track is 45 minutes from there but when I check map quest it says just under 13 miles. ?

(3- The procurer of these 1st floor clubhouse seats says the tickets cost $200 each and includes THE SUSAN. Does this sound fair?

As I ask these questions I am starting to have second thoughts.

I appreciate any feedback.

Freddy

[rokitman]

She's the best escort in Maryland, from what I understand.

Save your money for the Belmont.

[Tom]

Fred,
It is not a good neighborhood, but you will be on an expressway most of the way. It is not hard to find-just follow the signs.
Stay out of the grandstand, especially the ground floor.
The track is north of downtown and not too far as I recall. When I go there, I am coming in from the north, so I don't really know how long it takes to get there from BWI.
No idea about pricing, so can't help you there.
I went there for the 79 preakness-Spectacular Bid. Went to the track Friday, and it was packed. Never did make it back Saturday...went to Hershey's Chocolate town instead and then watched the race on TV in the motel!
It will undoubtedly be a worthwile trip to make-something you will never forget.
While you are there, don't pass up the chance to buy some Lutz Crab flavored potato chips and some Tasty Cakes - Chocolate Juniors. Always the highlight of my Baltimore trips! :D

Have a good trip!

[Fred]

Tom: Thanks for your comments. I am going!


Freddy

[cj]

Utz, not Lutz, for the potato chips...don't want people laughing at you if you ask for them! :D:D:D

[Tom]

Originally posted by cjmilkowski
Utz, not Lutz, for the potato chips...don't want people laughing at you if you ask for them! :D:D:D

Ooopss. Call me a "clutz." :D

[turfandsport]

I would not take a cab. Parking is availabe very close in people's yards. Expect to pay $20-$25.

the neighborhood is not great but remember there will be 100,000 people there and lots of police. You will feel very safe.

Biggest danger would be getting thrown up on by someone coming from the infield walking back yo your car.

Ist floor clubhouse is actually outside but good seating.

Michael Dempsey
www.turfnsport.com

[7horses]

The first floor club house seats are $115 each including black eyed susan day.

I drive in from the Annapolis area (south and east of BWI) and
can get to the track in < 35 minutes. It should be 25-30 from
BWI.

I always park at the (i think this is the name) Pimlico Middle
School (or Pimlico elementary school) $10 bucks. You don't get
blocked in and its quick getting out. Its about a 5-8 minute walk
from the track, though.
The locals kids "borrow" shopping carts for Preakness day and
offer to carry your stuff for you.

In the 10 years I've been going I've never had any problem. The neighborhood around the track seems to appreciate the business opportunity that the big race brings.

We always bring in our own food (the tickets have the various security and other rules). I hate to wait in line on a big day and the food generally sucks.

I will be driving by BWI on my way to preakness 129 on saturday.
If you are up for an early trip, you could follow me....