The 2026 Preakness Stakes is shaping up to be a year unlike any other—and not just because of the horses. For the first time in its storied history, the second leg of the Triple Crown is packing up and moving to a temporary home. With Pimlico Race Course undergoing a massive $400 million renovation, the action shifts to Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland. But that's just the beginning of what makes this year's event one for the books.
Perhaps the biggest headline? Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not be in the field. The horse's trainers have decided to skip the Preakness, giving the champion more time to recover after a thrilling victory earlier this month. It's a strategic move that leaves the door wide open for a new contender to seize the spotlight.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 16, when gates open at 9 a.m. and the races stretch into the evening. The main event, the Preakness Stakes itself, has a post time of approximately 6:50 p.m. This year's race will still cover the traditional 1 3/16-mile distance—the shortest of the three Triple Crown legs—but the atmosphere will be anything but typical.
Attendance is being scaled back dramatically. Only 4,800 two-day tickets are available, a far cry from last year's crowd of around 63,000 at Pimlico. This intimate setting offers a rare, up-close experience for lucky fans, but it also means tickets are more coveted than ever.
For those watching from home, coverage is spread across CNBC, NBC, and Peacock. Undercard action kicks off on CNBC from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., before NBC takes over at 4 p.m. for full Preakness coverage. The big race airs just before 7 p.m. on NBC.
The festivities start early. On Friday, May 15, head to Rye Street Park for a free outdoor screening of the classic "Secretariat," starting at 8 p.m. A special market opens at 5 p.m., and food and drinks will be available. Then, on Sunday, May 17, over a dozen horse farms across Maryland open their doors for self-guided tours from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's a perfect way to soak in the region's deep equestrian tradition.
The tradition continues on May 14 with the Alibi Breakfast at Laurel Park, where trainers and jockeys share stories over a morning meal. It's a beloved ritual that brings the racing community together before the big day.
This year's Preakness is a one-off—the 2027 event is scheduled to return to a newly remodeled Pimlico. So whether you're trackside or tuning in from home, this is a chapter of Triple Crown history you won't want to miss. For fans of the sport, it's a reminder that even in change, the thrill of the race endures.