70 replies to this topic

[DuffMan]

Does the fact that a deal was able to get done for Pimlico give anyone more hope that we may actually get a new convention center and/or arena?

[BSLMikeLowe]

Does the fact that a deal was able to get done for Pimlico give anyone more hope that we may actually get a new convention center and/or arena?

 

Two completely different issues. The city was desperate to keep the Preakness. The sense of urgency for the convention center isn't as great, but I have a hunch some sort of deal will be struck in the not-too-distant future to expand/upgrade it. I don't get the sense a new arena is any sort of priority at all. It would probably take the current dump having some sort of age-related catastrophic disaster (like pieces crumbling to the ground) to motivate leadership into replacing it.

[SportsGuy]

I guess tradition is the most important to me. Right or wrong, and i get the argument against, believe me. 

 

I grew up going as a kid with my Grandfather, then of course my teen years and 20s going for the party aspect, then even in my 30s strictly to gamble. i realize this is a cliche, but I just can't imagine the Preakness being anywhere else, and I think a lot of Baltimore people feel the same way. 

This means something to a lot of people and you are a big horse racing guy, so it adds to things.

 

For me, as someone who doesn't care, I would also rather see the money spent in better ways...or, at the very least, take the money made at Preakness and put it into the city.  I don't believe for a second that things happen that way or, if they do, the money is so minimal that doesn't make a difference.

[NewMarketSean]

This means something to a lot of people and you are a big horse racing guy, so it adds to things.

 

For me, as someone who doesn't care, I would also rather see the money spent in better ways...or, at the very least, take the money made at Preakness and put it into the city.  I don't believe for a second that things happen that way or, if they do, the money is so minimal that doesn't make a difference.

The same could have been said about OPACY and Ravens Stadium in 1988 and 1995. Or any stadium. Or any building project, anywhere. There is always "money that could be spent in better ways", and that goes for your own money and mine, too.

 

But there are needs and wants and wants often win out. Revamping Pimlico to keep Preakness is obviously a want.

 

I've read that there are some inclusions into this project that will provide the local residents with goods & services, and hopefully jobs. Thankfully, they aren't being totally left out of this and hopefully they really do get something out of this in the end.

 

Also, ~$200M is less than half of what many studies were saying was needed for a complete rebuild. $450M for a horse track used for about two weeks a year is tough to swallow. $200M for that is a little easier.

 

This is a win for everyone involved from where I sit.

[BSLMikeLowe]

To no one's surprise, it's been officially announced the Preakness will not be held on its originally scheduled date of May 16th.

 

While the rescheduled date is TBD, it was also announced there will be no open infield whenever it happens.

 

https://www.espn.com...0-race-new-date

[BSLChrisStoner]

BBJ: Pimlico redo delayed at least two years

[BSLChrisStoner]

Balt Banner: New plan for horse racing focuses on revitalizing Pimlico Race Course

https://www.thebalti..._eid=9204bbd6c0

[Nigel Tufnel]

Pamela Wood@pwoodreporter·

 

Multiple sources told me that Churchill Downs Incorporated has expressed interest in buying Pimlico. One of the sources told me that Churchill is trying to derail legislation that would enable the state to take over and renovate Pimlico.

 

 

Churchill Downs makes late bid to buy Pimlico as state mulls takeover of racing industry - The Baltimore Banner

[NewMarketSean]

One way or another, the fate of Pimlico needs to be decided, and fast.

 

It feels like the track has been held up in limbo for the last 5-6 years.

[BSLMikeLowe]

I wouldn't trust Churchill Downs' intent. Can't see anyone wanting to buy Pimlico for any reason other than to get ownership of the Preakness, which I think they would then move heaven and earth to try and relocate to their track. It's not like the state is going to let them put in a casino there to make enough money to compensate for the lack of customers racing draws nowadays...adding another casino in Baltimore would just siphon existing customers away from Horseshoe.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Balt Sun: Maryland lawmakers OK plan to rebuild Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness

https://www.baltimor...MJ95e-F8hHfWk96