The Preakness - travel tips and info

[boswd]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

YOU can't guarantee anything of the kind.

Once again, the Orioles did what they could to have home games that weekend, and MLB was not able to accomodate them.

I would bet the farm that if those three groups went up to MLB and said from here on out we would like for this to happen, MLB would be on board. If they just do a year to year request than no there is never a guarantee but if they said let's starting next year. MLB would.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by boswd

I would bet the farm that if those three groups went up to MLB and said from here on out we would like for this to happen, MLB would be on board. If they just do a year to year request than no there is never a guarantee but if they said let's starting next year. MLB would.

Out of curiosity, what is your position with MLB...or perhaps I am confused and you own the Red Sox or are a family member of John Henry's?

And by the way....I seriously doubt MLB has a great deal of concern for what Magna wants...though I suppose I could be wrong about that.

[Rudeboyelvis]

Haven't been to the Preakness since '88 (geez I'm gettin' old!) but what I remember is that it is nowhere near anyplace you'd want to be either before or afterward. That said, I've spent some time in Baltimore and Mt. Washington is a nice section of town just north and there are some decent eats and pubs there. Not sure about lodging. Probably need to get outside the beltway in Hunt Valley, Timonium, Pikesville, etc.

If you're going the tourist route, as mentioned the Inner Harbor is nice, expensive, but nice. The Aqurimum, Pier 6, Federal Hill, Cross Street Market, and Camden Yards are all within walking distance and it's pretty safe.

To drive from the Inner Harbor to Pimlico will put you through the middle of the set from "The Wire". Scary place. Take the expressway north (I think it's called the JFK or something). DO NOT drive through the inner city.

If you head up towards Timonium, a GREAT rib place is called the Corner Stable. You'll have to google it - I think it is on Cockeysville Rd. Near the Fairgrounds (where they hold the Fasig-Tipton sale). Speaking of which, If you're into it - that sale is usually going on the week before the Preakness and if you've never been to a thoroughbred sale, you owe it to yourself to check it out.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by boswd

I was there that day. Hung out in Bud Tent at the Top of the Stretch. I have to tell you, Suffolk Downs may not have charm, but it is clean, seriously all jokes aside, it is clean the food is not bad and the prices are great. Not a bad way to knock a few back, bet on some nags.

It was one heck of a race that is for sure!

The one thing that was very convenient is you don't have to move an inch to be both next to the Paddock and the Finish Line. No food sampling, I was holding my ground. While in college I rode at a stable in the Revere area (most of the horses we had were from Suffolk and being re-schooled for hunters and jumpers...many of them seemed slower than the childrens ponies ) so I was pretty familiar with that train line at least.

Pity that the MA Cap hasn't continued since then. Some truly great horses ran there back in the day.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Cardus

I've stayed both in the Inner Harbor -- Holiday Inn, and got lucky twice by getting a room on Friday of that weekend, but that was years ago -- and in Hunts Valley, which is north of Pimlico, from which you can take the light rail. If you do not need the Inner Harbor, stay at a hotel in Hunts Valley and go to the Phoenix House (I'll confirm that name). It is a very nice restaurant which can handle groups, too.

The problem that I have experienced with the Preakness almost every year is leaving the track. It seems as if there is absolutely NO F---ING PLAN to how to take the shuttles back to either Rogers Avenue (metro) or Cold Spring Lane (light rail). It is always a mess, even if I stay well past the last race, which is usually about one hour after the Preakness.

Taking a cab back to the Inner Harbor is OK ($20 or $25), but taking one to Hunts Valley is frigging robbery ($60), even if you are there quickly.

I say each year that I will never go back, but (roll tape of Al Pacino), "they keep pulling me back in."

Sounds like Churchill leaving the Derby!

[tanner12oz]

ive got some preakness's under my belt and heres my 2 cents......i have a relative in the area so lodging is never and issue. although if i were to suggest an area i would suggest one thats along the light rail or preakness shuttle line. those 2 methods of transportation are easily the best ways to travel to and from the preakness.....dirt cheap and parking isnt an issue. the only seats ive had are the apron box seats (95 bucks) and i wouldnt wanna be anywhere else. i am literally on the track. the only thing that seperates me from the horses is the rail. feel free is move around cuz security is pretty laid back. bring as much canned beer as you possibly can hold. everything must be brought inside in a clear container (garbage bag, tupperware). the facility itself sucks. last year there was an extreme leak in the bathroom ceiling.....im talking gallons and gallons of who knows what pouring through the ceiling. lines are bad but i imagine not as bad as derby. still you need to give yourself at least 15-20 mins for a bet. the area surrounding the track is questionable at best. wouldnt wanna be stumbling around there drunk by myself. traffic leaving the track is bad. took almost 1.5 hours to go around a mile or 2 to the lightrail last year. dont get me wrong though i have a blast and look forward to going every year.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by tanner12oz

ive got some preakness's under my belt and heres my 2 cents......i have a relative in the area so lodging is never and issue. although if i were to suggest an area i would suggest one thats along the light rail or preakness shuttle line. those 2 methods of transportation are easily the best ways to travel to and from the preakness.....dirt cheap and parking isnt an issue. the only seats ive had are the apron box seats (95 bucks) and i wouldnt wanna be anywhere else. i am literally on the track. the only thing that seperates me from the horses is the rail. feel free is move around cuz security is pretty laid back. bring as much canned beer as you possibly can hold. everything must be brought inside in a clear container (garbage bag, tupperware). the facility itself sucks. last year there was an extreme leak in the bathroom ceiling.....im talking gallons and gallons of who knows what pouring through the ceiling. lines are bad but i imagine not as bad as derby. still you need to give yourself at least 15-20 mins for a bet. the area surrounding the track is questionable at best. wouldnt wanna be stumbling around there drunk by myself. traffic leaving the track is bad. took almost 1.5 hours to go around a mile or 2 to the lightrail last year. dont get me wrong though i have a blast and look forward to going every year.

Charming....

[Suffolk Shippers]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

My first venture to a track was to see Funny Cide at the MA Cap when I was in college in Boston....silly me.

I'm upset that your first track trip was at Suffolk Downs on Mass Cap day. But I can be equally shamed that my first track trip was to Raynham Taunton Greyhound Park. I was there for the Funny Cide Mass Cap. Good day. I hit the pick 4.

Anyways, Baltimore is a good trip. I've been down for the last few Preakness days. Lets be honest first off. Pimlico is a dump. I only go because the race is what it is, it's the Preakness. I buy some apron seats and lounge there all day.

Federal Hill is fun, the Waterfront is a more family enjoyable atmosphere (I personally love the Cheesecake Factory in the mall). Are you going classy with the hotel? If not, there are lots of mid range chains (Econo Lodges, etc) a little south of town in Laurel (near the track). If you are heading in with your friends, it's cheap, got a few clean beds and some fast food close by when you're **** faced If you are taking a lady friend, hotels that weekend will cost you a few gambling coins, although the Holiday Inn at Camden Yards is reasonable and very comfy.

[Suffolk Shippers]

Originally Posted by boswd

I was there that day. Hung out in Bud Tent at the Top of the Stretch. I have to tell you, Suffolk Downs may not have charm, but it is clean, seriously all jokes aside, it is clean the food is not bad and the prices are great. Not a bad way to knock a few back, bet on some nags.

I can confirm this. Suffolk Downs has been decimated from external forces in this area, namely, the casinos in Connecticut and the slots at the dog track in RI. But, for true players or fans of horse racing, boswd is on point.

The people who run the joint have pride in the place and it's clear when you are there. The employees are friendly and genuine and take pride in where they work. Food's decent, the beer is cold and my favorite place to hang is up in the Turf Club. The smoked turkey club on wheat with fries is mouth watering, especially with a draft Miller Lite.

I actually think better days are ahead for Suffolk. Slots finally seem within reach with a Democrat taking office as Governor, who will need ways to fund his big plans he laid out in the election (1,000 new cops dont work for free).
If the track gets slots, everything will be in bloom again over there. I hope it happens, if only for the folks who have been there long and have kept the place afloat all these years. Plus it would give me added motivation for the smoked turkey club.

Sorry for hijacking the thread!

[SniperSB23]

Originally Posted by Suffolk Shippers

I'm upset that your first track trip was at Suffolk Downs on Mass Cap day. But I can be equally shamed that my first track trip was to Raynham Taunton Greyhound Park. I was there for the Funny Cide Mass Cap. Good day. I hit the pick 4.

Anyways, Baltimore is a good trip. I've been down for the last few Preakness days. Lets be honest first off. Pimlico is a dump. I only go because the race is what it is, it's the Preakness. I buy some apron seats and lounge there all day.

Federal Hill is fun, the Waterfront is a more family enjoyable atmosphere (I personally love the Cheesecake Factory in the mall). Are you going classy with the hotel? If not, there are lots of mid range chains (Econo Lodges, etc) a little south of town in Laurel (near the track). If you are heading in with your friends, it's cheap, got a few clean beds and some fast food close by when you're **** faced If you are taking a lady friend, hotels that weekend will cost you a few gambling coins, although the Holiday Inn at Camden Yards is reasonable and very comfy.

I sure hope so.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Suffolk Shippers

I'm upset that your first track trip was at Suffolk Downs on Mass Cap day. But I can be equally shamed that my first track trip was to Raynham Taunton Greyhound Park. I was there for the Funny Cide Mass Cap. Good day. I hit the pick 4.

Anyways, Baltimore is a good trip. I've been down for the last few Preakness days. Lets be honest first off. Pimlico is a dump. I only go because the race is what it is, it's the Preakness. I buy some apron seats and lounge there all day.

Federal Hill is fun, the Waterfront is a more family enjoyable atmosphere (I personally love the Cheesecake Factory in the mall). Are you going classy with the hotel? If not, there are lots of mid range chains (Econo Lodges, etc) a little south of town in Laurel (near the track). If you are heading in with your friends, it's cheap, got a few clean beds and some fast food close by when you're **** faced If you are taking a lady friend, hotels that weekend will cost you a few gambling coins, although the Holiday Inn at Camden Yards is reasonable and very comfy.

I'm going to start writing in Pink so everyone realizes I'm a girl!
The Cheesecake Factory is the best! They just opened one in the Albany area.

[slotdirt]

I don't know if anybody mentioned this, but stay at the Renaissance Harborplace. That's where you want to be. Other than that, Baltimore does suck.

[estreetposse]

Originally Posted by tanner12oz

last year there was an extreme leak in the bathroom ceiling.....im talking gallons and gallons of who knows what pouring through the ceiling. lines are bad but i imagine not as bad as derby. .

Don't worry Sightseek that leak was in the MEN's bathroom, not sure how often you'll be going in there. I remember that waterfall very well, everyone was thanking the Magna Entertainment Corporation for really "cleaning" up the joint, considering the fact that ticket prices go up every year but the quality of the track seems to go down... had people shouting how Frank Stronach was a genius

The Derby is bad for bathrooms in the grandstand, but if you sit in the infield.... no problem, especially around the 6-7th race where any open spot on the lawn or the bushes is designated as "the bathroom"


APRON BOX---- the way to go!

-bt-

[boswd]

Originally Posted by Suffolk Shippers

I can confirm this. Suffolk Downs has been decimated from external forces in this area, namely, the casinos in Connecticut and the slots at the dog track in RI. But, for true players or fans of horse racing, boswd is on point.

The people who run the joint have pride in the place and it's clear when you are there. The employees are friendly and genuine and take pride in where they work. Food's decent, the beer is cold and my favorite place to hang is up in the Turf Club. The smoked turkey club on wheat with fries is mouth watering, especially with a draft Miller Lite.

I actually think better days are ahead for Suffolk. Slots finally seem within reach with a Democrat taking office as Governor, who will need ways to fund his big plans he laid out in the election (1,000 new cops dont work for free).
If the track gets slots, everything will be in bloom again over there. I hope it happens, if only for the folks who have been there long and have kept the place afloat all these years. Plus it would give me added motivation for the smoked turkey club.

Sorry for hijacking the thread!

And may I add that it is the best place for a hot dog in the city, bar none. I love Suffolk Downs and the simulcasting parlors are great.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

It was one heck of a race that is for sure!

The one thing that was very convenient is you don't have to move an inch to be both next to the Paddock and the Finish Line. No food sampling, I was holding my ground. While in college I rode at a stable in the Revere area (most of the horses we had were from Suffolk and being re-schooled for hunters and jumpers...many of them seemed slower than the childrens ponies ) so I was pretty familiar with that train line at least.

Pity that the MA Cap hasn't continued since then. Some truly great horses ran there back in the day.

It's absolute shame. The politicians out here don't give a crap about the track or horse racing. What's even more of a shame is that if there was some investment into the place I think Suffolk Downs would thrive. It is an untapped market out here. Just look at the number of people from the greater Boston area that head to Saratoga every summer. It's amazing.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Out of curiosity, what is your position with MLB...or perhaps I am confused and you own the Red Sox or are a family member of John Henry's?

And by the way....I seriously doubt MLB has a great deal of concern for what Magna wants...though I suppose I could be wrong about that.

I was speaking metaphorically by saying I would guarantee. OK let me rephrase my statement.
If The Orioles, Pim and The baltimore tourism board went to MLB and requested that they would like to start a tradition next season and seasons here on out that they would like a homestand during the Preakness. I would bet MLB would accomodate them.

How's that? Better?

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by boswd

I was speaking metaphorically by saying I would guarantee. OK let me rephrase my statement.
If The Orioles, Pim and The baltimore tourism board went to MLB and requested that they would like to start a tradition next season and seasons here on out that they would like a homestand during the Preakness. I would bet MLB would accomodate them.

How's that? Better?

MLB is not concerned with what Pimlico wants. The Orioles try to get a homestand there that weekend, MLB understands why, and it didn't work out this year ( or last ).

We can argue this to death but one thing I promise you is that I really do have better information on this specific situation than you do.

[Suffolk Shippers]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

I'm going to start writing in Pink so everyone realizes I'm a girl!
The Cheesecake Factory is the best! They just opened one in the Albany area.

OH MAN! So embarrassed...using such crass language in front of the lady

I owe you a meal at Cheesecake Factory after that!

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by Suffolk Shippers

OH MAN! So embarrassed...using such crass language in front of the lady

I owe you a meal at Cheesecake Factory after that!

LOL, although I don't personally curse, I would have had to be living in a bubble to not have heard worse. Thanks for the tips by the way.

Everyone has been a great help!

[cmorioles]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I don't know if anybody mentioned this, but stay at the Renaissance Harborplace. That's where you want to be. Other than that, Baltimore does suck.

I wouldn't go that far. If you don't know where you are going or are some hick from the country, by all means, stay downtown. If you make sure to avoid certain areas, there are plenty of nice places (restaurants, clubs, hotels, etc.) away from the harbor that are also much easier on the wallet.

Now the Orioles...they suck.