MTROA Provides Update

The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority at a meeting in mid-July announced that the process for selecting a contractor to oversee the demolition and reconstruction of Pimlico Race Course is underway.

The Maryland Stadium Authority is handling the process, which may take about three months. After the lead contractor is chosen, various sub-contractors would be hired to perform various work at the Baltimore property.

MTROA Chairman Greg Cross at the meeting clarified that demolition of the condemned portion of the Pimlico grandstand would not take place this year but after the 150th Preakness Stakes in May 2025. The “modern” clubhouse and grandstand at Old Hilltop will remain in place to accommodate the Preakness crowd next year.

Much of the meeting was spent discussing efforts to create a weeklong festival for the event. To that end, the MTROA Board of Directors approved a motion for the non-profit Sport and Entertainment Corp. of Maryland to coordinate the efforts that will involve multiple parties including Park Heights Renaissance, which in recent years has worked with the Maryand Jockey Club on obtaining sponsorships and planning events.

Terry Hasseltine, President of Sport and Entertainment Corp., said the idea is to create a host committee similar to the model employed by Churchill Downs and its partners for the Kentucky Derby week. Hasseltine proposed a public-private partnership for fundraising and other activities; he said the actual budget is a “moving target” given financial constraints in the Maryland state budget.

Cross indicated the MSA would also be involved. “If it is a success, it provides a template for us moving forward,” he said.

Cross also said that the transfer of the Pimlico property from The Stronach Group (1/ST Racing) to the MTROA for $1 closed as scheduled July 1, and that “all the main agreements have all closed and transfers have taken place.” Work continues to finalize other agreements related to simulcasting and totalizator services that currently are handled by TSG and the MJC.

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