Preakness Infield: Think you can handle it?
If you think the Kentucky Derby infield is crazy, you need to make a last minute trip to Preakness Stakes 2017 and see what the definition of “crazy” really is. While the Derby goers bring the party to Churchill Downs, the Preakness already has one planned. They’re just waiting for the crowd to make it come to life.
Baltimore, Maryland, where Pimlico Race Course is located, is less than an hour away from the University of Maryland, and there’s an eager gathering of young people ready to celebrate the freedom of summer.
Think you’re down for the Preakness Infield? Here’s what you’ll find:
Last year, even in the rain, the Preakness Stakes had a record attendance of 135,256, many of which was in the infield.
This year’s InfieldFest will feature Sam Hunt with special guest Zedd on the main stage, while the DeKuyper Stage will host Good Charlotte, LOCASH, and High Valley. Whether it’s pop, hip hop, rock, or country, the Preakness Infield Fest will probably have it, and the music will be playing right up until the big race.
While the acts may be good, that’s not necessarily what the crowd is there for. The music really just gets them pumped up for all the drinking they are going to do. A good portion of them will be busy standing in line to fill up their bottomless mugs they can purchase from the Mug Club.
But before the real party commences, these girls start things off with the bikini contest at 9am.
And for those who remain sober enough, there's a chance to show off your art skills.
So while the young people clad is enthusiasm and summer parade in, gathering all the party items that they can muster…
And sometimes wearing clothing items we wish we hadn’t seen…
It’s all about enjoying yourself and having a good time. You can even meet people serving in the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Marine Corp. And don’t miss the U.S. Naval Academy performing “Maryland, My Maryland” during the Preakness post parade or the B-2 Spirit Bomber flying overhead. You can even get up close and personal with the Marines and one of their Humvees.
The Air Force and the Marines will be there looking for recruits. Be aware that if you do sign up, those drinks will not be coming with you.
While the crowd may be a little rowdy, just remember the Preakness is one of the best races in the country. You should take any chance you get to see the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. Next time someone calls you up to see if you’re in Baltimore and are ready to watch a horse race, just know there might be different types of races in the infield than what you are thinking of.
While you’ll be imagining this type of horse race…
Infield races may look more like a frat boy riding his best friend in a horse costume.
Even more daring is the porta potty races, so you may want to use the bathroom before you leave home. There’s not much worse than trying to use the restroom and having feet thunder overhead. However, the Preakness has slowed the running of the urinals down quite a bit after the event went viral. Preakness goers used to be able to bring in their own beverages, and without that being allowed anymore, patrons are less likely to throw drinks they have to pay for.
But really, go enjoy the Preakness atmosphere! Just know that if you do too much of this…
Or this…
Especially this…
You might end up flat on your face like this.
So go have fun. Bet, party, and bet more. Scream as horses run by, or as people run over your head in the porta potty. Remember to enjoy it while you can. Preakness is only one day a year, and at the end of the day, you get to pass out like this.
The only thing we ask is that you don’t try to punch a horse…
By Christine Oser