When Maryland announced the long-awaited approval to demolish and rebuild Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, many cheered. It’s a historic venue in desperate need of modernization. The economic boost to Baltimore and the state’s thoroughbred industry is real. The Triple Crown will stay in Maryland, and that’s worth celebrating.
But as we prepare to pour hundreds of millions into new grandstands, turf upgrades, and luxury suites, we can’t ignore a long-standing tradition that’s not so glamorous: the taxpayer-funded party circuit that accompanies the Preakness Stakes each May.
Preakness Politics: Behind the Velvet Ropes
Each year, the Preakness isn’t just a horse race — it’s a political spectacle. Governors, state senators, lobbyists, and VIPs are wined and dined in exclusive tents, catered suites, and rooftop lounges. Much of this isn’t paid out of their own pockets — it’s subsidized or outright funded by Maryland taxpayers.
While Marylanders face crumbling infrastructure, skyrocketing housing costs, and underfunded public schools, the state budget quietly absorbs the costs of these political schmooze-fests in the name of “economic development” or “official hospitality.”
So what are we really paying for?
The Hidden Tab: What Do These Parties Cost Us?
Despite minimal transparency, public records and past reporting reveal that:
- The Maryland Stadium Authority and the Maryland Jockey Club allocate event spending through public-private partnerships.
- State agencies often sponsor Preakness events under economic or tourism umbrellas, enabling budget lines that appear benign — but translate into food, drink, and entertainment for the well-connected.
- Past figures show tens of thousands in taxpayer dollars spent on invitations, catering, transportation, and private boxes, with some estimates ranging even higher when factoring in soft costs and staff hours.
And that’s just what’s on paper.
Requests under Maryland’s Public Information Act have historically been met with resistance or redaction. Why? Because no one wants taxpayers to see the receipts for top-shelf bourbon, passed hors d’oeuvres, and air-conditioned tents while many residents can’t afford air conditioning in their own homes.
Optics Matter: Who Gets Access and Who Gets Left Out?
This isn’t just about wasted money. It’s about public trust.
When elected officials party in skyboxes with lobbyists while their constituents struggle to make ends meet, it feeds the growing perception that the political class lives in a different world — one where perks are priority, and the people footing the bill are just spectators.
And when budget shortfalls inevitably come, cuts won’t hit the Pimlico VIP lounge — they’ll hit education, transportation, and public health.
Let’s Celebrate Responsibly — With Accountability
Yes, the Pimlico rebuild is exciting. Yes, it could benefit the city and state long-term. But if Maryland wants to make good on its investment, it must also commit to fiscal transparency and equity. That means:
- Full public accounting of all state-sponsored events and expenditures tied to the Preakness.
- Limits on use of taxpayer funds for entertainment or political patronage.
- Equal access to community members, not just donors and insiders.
Because while the thoroughbreds run the race, it’s the people of Maryland who keep the track alive — and they deserve more than an invitation to watch from the fence.
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