InfieldFest for 2020 Preakness canceled

The Preakness Stakes, traditionally the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, has yet to be re-scheduled for this season as the coronavirus pandemic continued to upend the Thoroughbred industry and the world at large. However, the race, traditionally a colorful party in Baltimore, will have a different feel this year as The Stronach Group and Maryland Jockey Club announced that the race's accompanying InfieldFest concerts and events will be canceled.

“The Stronach Group and the Maryland Jockey Club are continuing to work with our key stakeholders to explore all options to set a new date for the running of Preakness 145," the organizations said in a statement issued Friday. "Our first priority in these difficult times is the health and well-being of our customers, our vendors, our employees, and the horses we all love. A decision will be made on a new date for Preakness 145 and will take into consideration all of the recommended best practices from local and governmental health authorities to protect our community.

"In the meantime, we have made the decision to cancel InfieldFest 2020," the release continued. "InfieldFest is a vibrant and cherished event for Baltimore City that brings together thousands of fans for legendary performances, unique hospitality, and curated activations during the historic Preakness Stakes. This was a difficult decision but we are confident that it was the right one. We look forward to celebrating InfieldFest 2021 next year."

The Preakness Stakes this year fell on the calendar on May 16, two weeks following the traditional placement of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville on the first Saturday in May. On March 17, Churchill Downs announced that it would postpone the Kentucky Derby until Sept. 5. Later that day, the communications director for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan posted a message on Twitter that said the governor’s office is “in active discussions to postpone the Preakness Stakes until September.” As the pandemic continues to evolve, there is also still uncertainty around the ultimate date of this year's Belmont Stakes, scheduled as the third leg of the Triple Crown on June 6 in New York.

This year's InfieldFest, which annually draws tens of thousands of partygoers into the Pimlico infield, was this year scheduled to feature appearances by Marshmello, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal performing as DJ Diesel, DaBaby, Quinn XCII, Two Friends, DJ Pauly D, and GATTÜSO. Friday's release said that Pimlico's guest services team has been in contact with ticketholders to provide them with options, including a full refund, a transfer of their tickets to the 2021 concert, and the option to transfer their ticket for a seat at the Preakness Stakes.