Patches of grass went unclaimed in the vast infield and fewer broad-brimmed hats floated atop women's heads on Saturday as droves of fans steered clear of Pimlico Race Course and its new policy banning bring-your-own alcohol.
The smallest crowd in more than a quarter-century was drawn to the Preakness Stakes, officials acknowledged, while those savoring the 134th running of the race watched an impressive victory by the first filly to seize the second Triple Crown leg in 85 years.
Organizers had hoped to compensate for the alcohol change by adding a rock concert, beach volleyball and a bikini contest, and by dispensing $1 cups of beer during the morning.
Nonetheless, lines for suds, bathrooms and betting were all shorter than normal, disappointing some race veterans while providing a more comfortable experience for newcomers and others.
"It's less of a happening," lamented Scott Greene, 46, who has been coming to the race for two decades, as he surveyed the mid-morning scene.
Although the infield grew more crowded by late afternoon, final figures pegged the number attending at 77,850, down 31 percent from last year's 112,222 and the lowest level since 1983.
Maryland Jockey Club President Tom Chuckas said he had expected the dip, and did not regret the BYO booze ban. Calling it a big "break from tradition," he acknowledged that it would likely take two or three years for numbers to rebound.
"It was time for a change," he said. "We tried to upgrade the experience for our guests."
For some, the new rules were welcome. Drunken rowdiness that included flying beer cans, breast-baring and foot races atop rows of portable toilets had intimidated potential patrons such as Nicole Neirman, a 23-year-old from Owings Mills.
"Before it just seemed a little bit too wild," said Neirman, who decided to attend her first Preakness on Saturday. "Now that they have these restrictions, it's a little better for everyone's well-being."
Hardly a teetotaler, she had a cup of beer in her hand. And at $3.50 a serving, the price wasn't bad. "It's cheaper than what you get at a bar," she said.
Jason Muehlberger, a 25-year-old from Hanover, Pa., was not a fan of the new experience. Race officials should have beefed up security, he said, instead of banning outside alcohol.
Muehlberger did see a silver lining. He and the two friends hit little traffic on their ride, and for once did not have to stake out a place on the sparsely filled lawn.
