Demolition work has begun on the Clubhouse at Pimlico Race Course in Park Heights, Baltimore.
The Maryland Stadium Authority said the demolition marks a significant stage in the redevelopment of the Pimlico Race Course into a best-in-class facility.
The revamped racecourse will become the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing, elevating Maryland’s status as a premiere tourism and sports entertainment destination.
Demolition will be completed by the end of this year, with new racecourse construction beginning by early 2026.
Pimlico Race Course is a thoroughbred horse racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland (US) most famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes. Its name is derived from the 1660s when English settlers named the area where the facility currently stands in honor of Olde Ben Pimlico’s Tavern in London (a famous alehouse or tea garden in Hoxton, London (UK) in the 17th century).
Governor Wes Moore said, “For this to be Maryland’s Decade, it has to be Baltimore’s Time.
We’ve been very clear that our work to revitalize Pimlico is about more than a racetrack—it’s also about spurring economic growth and driving community development in Park Heights.
“Together, we are proving that we don’t have to choose between supercharging key state assets and leaving no one behind. We can, and we will, do both.”
The new facility will support over 500 jobs and go from hosting approximately 15 racing days per year to becoming the permanent home of Maryland Thoroughbred racing with more than 100 racing days annually.
As the centerpiece of Maryland’s Thoroughbred racing industry—which sustains more than 28,000 jobs and has generated approximately $3 billion in economic impact—the new Pimlico Race Course will be a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights, surrounding communities, and Baltimore City.
First Lady Dawn Moore said, “Today marks the next leg of our journey to secure the future of horse racing in Maryland, as the reimagined Pimlico will create jobs, grow our economy, and generate a year-round hub of economic activity for Park Heights and for all of Baltimore.
“When our people win, Maryland wins. As co-chair of the Preakness Festival, I am proud to be part of this moment together in partnership with our state, local, and community leaders.”
In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to issue $400 million in bonds to redevelop the racecourse.
The legislature also authorized the Maryland Stadium Authority to construct a new horseracing training facility, which will be at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County.
The new training ground will offer 328 pastoral acres to create a best-in-class training facility with more than 800 boarded horses, housing for backstretch workers, a new clubhouse, paddock, pavilion and training track with dimensions identical to those at the current Pimlico site.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said, “As someone who grew up in Park Heights, down the road from Pimlico, this project is especially significant to me.
“This is hopefully the start of a new era of events and engagement at this site, where residents and visitors alike can experience everything Park Heights has to offer.”
Maryland Stadium Authority Chair Craig A. Thompson said, “The Maryland Stadium Authority—in partnership with MEDCO, and the Maryland Jockey Club, with the Park Heights community—will oversee the transformation of the Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes, into a year-round racing facility that will bring economic benefits to Maryland for many years to come.”
Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.