TMJC Board Shares Major Progress on Pimlico Rebuild, Preakness Future, and Strategic Partnerships

The Maryland Jockey Club Board of Directors has provided  a comprehensive update to horsemen outlining significant momentum behind the redevelopment of Pimlico and the long-term future of the Preakness Stakes. From national searches resulting in key hires and partnerships to major steps in branding, media rights, and revenue development, these initiatives reflect a coordinated effort to elevate Maryland racing and position Pimlico and the Preakness for sustained success beginning in 2027 and beyond:

• After performing an RFP process, a national marketing company was hired to perform the rebrand of Pimlico and the Preakness beginning in 2027. They have recently conducted stakeholder interviews and working on the next phase of the project. In the next few months, TMJC will debut a new look logo and brand for the new Pimlico and Preakness Stakes.
  ‍
• After performing an RFP, TMJC will be announcing soon an outside sponsorship and hospitality group to assist TMJC to raise revenue for Pimlico and the Preakness. This group’s objective is to raise revenue through sponsorships for Preakness as well as secure multi-year branding elements for the new Pimlico. Additionally, they will advise on all hospitality services and pricing models for Preakness.
  ‍
• After a national search, TMJC has hired Sports Media Advisors to manage the Media Rights process for the Preakness Broadcast partner. SMA is a long-established and well-versed in rights negotiations and media rights valuations. They have clients such as the Breeders’ Cup, NFL, US Soccer, Duke Sports and many others…They are leading the search for the next Preakness and Pimlico broadcast partner…which is currently underway.
  ‍
• TMJC has an Kevin O’Grady as the Event Manager for the 2027 Preakness. Kevin has worked and managed some of the world’s largest sporting events including 11 super bowls, 3 Olympics, and Breeders’ Cup to name a few. He will manage all aspects of the temporary build out and Event operations side of the 2027 Preakness. He will work closely with all TMJC Operations on everything from temporary construction of all operations and hospitality projects, energy distribution, traffic control and more….
  ‍
• TMJC has hired John Sergi to advise on hospitality and food/beverage operations. John is a nationally known advisor that has worked on projects such as SOFI Stadium, PNC Park Pittsburgh, Citi Field, NY Football Club and Monmouth Park. John has immediately started advising at Laurel Park, as well as planning for the 2027 Preakness hospitality operations and working closely with the Maryland Stadium Authority on the food and beverage operation for the new Pimlico.
  ‍
• TMJC is working closely with First Lady Dawn Moore and the new Preakness Festival Board. The evolution of the organization will have a close alliance with TMJC moving forward as they support the Preakness by holding events and raising awareness across Maryland. TMJC will house the Preakness Festival offices as well as help manage services for them.
  ‍
• TMJC announces for new board members – Katy Voss, President of the MTHA and owner/trainer/breeder. Louis Ullman, former Maryland Racing commissioner and owner. Yolanda Jiggetts, Executive Director of the Park Heights Renaissance organization. Jason Weintraub, partner at Gordon Feinblatt and current lobbyist for the MTHA.