Maryland Jockey Club Modifies Security Policies For 2013 Preakness Stakes And Black-Eyed Susan Stakes

Maryland Jockey Club Modifies Security Policies For 2013 Preakness Stakes And Black-Eyed Susan Stakes

BALTIMORE, 04-30-13---The Maryland Jockey Club today announced it has modified the security policies for fans, employees and vendors who will enter Pimlico Race Course next month on Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness days, May 17-18.

The changes were made after consulting with law enforcement and public safety officials following the bombings during the Boston Marathon two weeks ago.

“Each year, we spend considerable time working with federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety agencies to ensure the safety of all our fans, which remains our number one priority. Collectively, we feel these changes will address concerns fans may have following the Boston tragedies,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “We ask that everyone please read carefully our security procedures and policies, so that guests may enjoy Black-Eyed Susan and Preakness days in a safe and secure manner with a minimum of inconvenience.”

Preakness day ranks as one of the largest single-day sporting events in the United States. At least 100,000 have attended on-site in 10 of the last 12 years, including a record 121,309 in 2012.

The revised Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan days security and hospitality polices:

BANNED CARRY-IN ITEMS

BUILDING

INFIELD
No Duffle Bags - NEW No Back Packs - NEW
No Laser Lights or Pointers - NEW No Duffle Bags - NEW
No Cameras with Detachable Lenses - NEW No Coolers (Unless Cooler is CLEAR See-Through Plastic Container 28”L x 15”W x 17”H) - NEW
No Cameras with lenses more than 6” in Length - NEW No Laser Lights or Pointers - NEW
No Coolers (Unless Cooler is CLEAR See-Through Plastic Container 18” x 18”) No Cameras with Lenses More Than 6” in Length - NEW
No Back Packs No Cameras with Detachable Lenses - NEW
No Alcoholic Beverages No Beverages of ANY Kind (Cans, Bottles, Glass or Thermoses)
No Glass of Any Kind No Camcorders
No Camcorders No Tripods
No Tripods No Cameras Over 35 mm No Tents
No Thermoses No Balloons or Balls
No Tents No Fireworks
No Balloons or Balls No Mace or Pepper Spray
No Fireworks No Grills
No Mace or Pepper Spray No Umbrellas
No Grills No Weapons
No Umbrellas No Wagons
No Weapons No Non-Folding or Folding Metal Furniture
No Wagons No Ladders, Scaffolding or Other Raised Devices
No Non-Folding or Folding Metal Furniture  
No Ladders, Scaffolding or other Raised Devices  

 

PERMITTED CARRY-IN ITEMS

BUILDING

INFIELD
Food Items in CLEAR, See-Through Plastic Containers No Larger Than 18”L x 18”H or CLEAR, See-Through Plastic Bags Food Items in CLEAR, See-Through Plastic Containers Not Larger than 28” L x 15”W x 17”H or CLEAR, See-Through Plastic Bags
Non-Alcoholic Beverages Individually Carried in Plastic Containers or Regular Sized Cans Purses (All Subject to Search)
Purses (All Subject to Search) Cellular Telephones, Smart Phones and Tablets
Cellular Telephones, Smart Phones and Tablets Binoculars
Binoculars Sunscreen (No Glass Container)
Sunscreen (No Glass Container) Beach Blankets
Beach Blankets Beach Tote Bags
Beach Tote Bags 35mm Cameras
35mm Cameras Lightweight Aluminum or Plastic Lawn Chairs or Umbrella Chairs (Tailgate or Camping chairs)

In addition, all fans who enter Pimlico on May 17 and 18 will be subject to an electronic wand search at all admission gates. All items carried into the track by persons passing through those gates are subject to search by law enforcement. Prohibited items removed during the admission process will not be held for retrieval.

“We urge fans to have an enjoyable time but if anything looks unusual or suspicious, do not hesitate to notify the proper authorities,” added Chuckas. “We upgraded the security policies and procedures prior to the 2002 Preakness after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and again in 2009 when we changed the infield policy regarding bringing alcohol into the Public infield. The safety of the fans will always be our number one priority.”

Coolers and ice will be available for purchase in the public infield. For additional information, please visit www.preakness.com.

About Pimlico Race Course

Historic Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness® Stakes, the middle jewel in horse racing's famed Triple Crown, first opened its doors on October 25, 1870, and is the second oldest racetrack in the United States. Pimlico has played host to racing icons and Baltimoreans have seen the likes of legendary horses such as Man o’ War, Seabiscuit, Secretariat, Affirmed and Cigar thunder down the stretch in thrilling and memorable competition. For more information on Pimlico, visit www.pimlico.com.

Pimlico Race Course is a Stronach Group company, North America’s leading Thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator. The Stronach Group racetracks include Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park & Casino, Golden Gate Fields, Portland Meadows, Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, home of the world-famous Preakness. The company owns and operates the Palm Meadows Training Center in Florida and is one of North America's top race horse breeders through its award-winning Adena Springs operation. The Stronach Group is one of the world's largest suppliers of pari-mutuel wagering systems, technologies and services. Its companies include AmTote, a global leader in wagering technology; Xpressbet, an Internet and telephone account wagering service; and Monarch Content Management, which acts as a simulcast purchase and sales agent of horseracing content for numerous North American racetracks and wagering outlets. The Stronach Group is also a major producer of televised horse racing programming through its HRTV cable and satellite network and is North America's premier supplier of virtual online horse racing games, as well as a leading producer of social media content for the horseracing industry.