The Maryland Jockey Club announced April 20 the public infield will be open Kentucky Derby Day, May 7. The Derby Day Preakness Prep Infield Party at Pimlico Race Course will include concerts by The Plain White T’s and Sons of the Radio in the beer garden. Festivities begin at noon, with Pimlico’s live card beginning at 12:45 p.m.
Tickets for the concert are $30 for all ages, including a bottomless mug for those 21 and over. Unlimited soda and water will be available for all ages. Tickets can be purchased by calling Pimlico (410-542-9400) or visiting www.ticketmaster.com.
“Racing is our focus but to attract a younger demographic we need other forms of entertainment to get these folks to the track and interested in horse racing,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas in a statement. “Derby day is one of the biggest days of the year for us and it makes sense to use the day as we try to expand our clientele.”
In 2008, The Plain White T’s received a Grammy nomination for its number one song “Hey There Delilah”. The Chicago-based band is currently touring the country in support of its sixth album, Wonders of the Younger. Additional information can be found at http://plainwhitets.ning.com/.
Sons of the Radio, a frequent entertainer on the apron at both Pimlico and Laurel Park, will open for The Plan White T’s, playing from 2-3:30 p.m.
Two weeks later on Saturday, May 21 prior to the running of the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Preakness InfieldFEST features performances by Grammy winners Bruno Mars and Train as well as Hotspur on the main stage. The day-long multi-celebration festival experience will feature live music on the Jägermeister stage with Phil Vassar, Puddle of Mudd, and Mr. Greengenes and also includes a beer garden, bikini contest, cornhole tournament, NVL Pro Volleyball Tour, and a Wagering 101 tent.
