Black-eyed Susans and broad-brimmed hats, trademarks of Preakness Day, may be enduring, but another Pimlico tradition is on the way out: Infield spectators will no longer be allowed to bring their own beer and other beverages into the racetrack.
Maryland Jockey Club officials couched the change in the long-standing policy as part of an overall improvement in the fan experience by also announcing yesterday that infield entertainment for this year's race on May 16 will be expanded to include a rock concert with headliner ZZ Top and a professional women's beach volleyball tournament.
Along with banning outside beer, the new policy prohibits fans from bringing in beverages of any kind, including soft drinks and water, in cans or bottles. Food can still be brought into the infield in coolers that do not exceed specific dimensions. Sixteen-ounce beers will be sold for $3.50.
Tom Chuckas, the Jockey Club's president and chief operating officer, said several factors were involved in changing the track's policy, including public safety. With the infield teeming with 60,000 partyers, the revelry, fueled by free-flowing beer, has occasionally pushed the limit. Last year, 126 people were ejected, six were arrested (two for assault) and track staff made 17 calls for medical assistance.
"We believe that ... in changing the alcohol policy there is more opportunity for people who may or may not have come to this in the past to have a more pleasurable experience," Chuckas said.
Last year, the Jockey Club instituted a policy that prohibited spectators in the grandstand and clubhouse areas from bringing alcoholic beverages. Overall attendance dropped by about 9,000 fans, to 112,222, from 2007; most of that decline was in the more expensive seating areas.
"Obviously, the policy excluding beer could have a negative impact on the attendance in the infield," Chuckas said, "but what we're trying to do here is enhance the infield experience for our fans."
Chuckas said prices for this year's Preakness have not changed. Infield tickets are $50 in advance and $60 the day of the race. Seating in the grandstand and clubhouse areas ranges from $75 to $275, and standing room inside is $25.
In addition to ZZ Top, the infield concert lineup includes the hard rock band Buckcherry and a local group to be announced. The women's volleyball tournament, the initial stop on the Toyota Beach East Volleyball Tour, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 240 tons of sand being brought in to create an Olympic-size court. There will also be an interactive entertainment tent that will include a NASCAR driving simulator and a Guitar Hero station.
