Help with Preakness trip

[philcski]

Originally Posted by Cardus

My apron level grandstand ticket was $90 last year. I sat in Section 47, which is near the 1/16th pole, if memory serves. For the price, it is terrible value, actually. You watch most of the race on the jumbotrons mounted in the infield.

The track is a dump, the food is barely edible (needs some Keeneland burgoo!),the area surrounding the track is a ghetto, and the transportation situation disintegrates every year (when you don't pay $60 for a 10 minute cab ride).

Can't figure why I go back every year.

I say the same thing... and then I realize all over again it's my favorite day of the year!

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by philcski

I say the same thing... and then I realize all over again it's my favorite day of the year!

Better than a back to back Belmont and Meadowlands day?!

Hope you're good at giving directions/tips cause we're going to need them to get too and from the track that day!

[phystech]

Originally Posted by Sightseek

Hope you're good at giving directions/tips cause we're going to need them to get too and from the track that day!

Are you talking about directions for the Preakness or Belmont? I've got awesome Preakness directions, but you've got to go early and have already purchased parking for them to be worth anything.....

[byalip]

Here's the low down from a Pimlico regular:

Unless you bought top dollar seats--and I mean seats around the owners & trainers or in the tent, buy the absolute cheapest ticket possible that will get you outside onto the apron.

There is an area right on the finish line that is TOTALLY accessible to the public. It's the regular winner's circle that's on the apron. It's slightly raised above the ground, around 2 feet or so, and surrounded by a chain link fence. This gives it the appearance of being totally off-limits. Plus, it's right below the owners/trainers box.

The guards come by and clear the standing room area by the finish line around when the Sir Barton is run. I asked one of them where is the closest place I could stand and he pointed me to the old winner's circle. There were no crowds and it looked "private". You'll have the best view--a little above the crowd and RIGHT ON THE LINE.

And yes, top of the stretch is the WORST. You spend a ton of dough to sit in a crappy folding chair on the concrete. As the day goes on, it's mayhem and more than annoying. For parking, the neighborhood people "sell" spaces in their driveways and yards. For around $20, it's more than worth it....otherwise you walk miles. Food is AWFUL....again, the neighborhood people sell BBQ. Anything you bring in has to be in a clear cooler. No glass, no hard liquor. Check the Preakness website--they're really specific about it. But be sure to bring in anything you need to drink or eat. You DON'T want to eat Preakness food. And for betting, go straight to the automatic machines. Teller lines are around 20 minutes some times.

[Mortimer]

I would frankly like to hear more description on those steps and that townhouse....what they really look like....and if anyone actually lives in that one particular townhouse.