Off-Topic

Because that was the first year after BYOB was banned. (i think...2009 might have been the 1st year without byob)\

It's def a good thing. You can probably only drink 6 beers every hour with the current setup if you're really tring to binge. When everyone had their own 30pack by their side people would beer bong that many beers in 10 minutes.

A mass of humanity...

I went in 2003 as a Junior at MD, and have not been back since.

ok here's my question. We don't want to be set up in TOO ridiculous of a party area. no desire to see the bands or whatever. we want to be near a rail so when races happen, we're there. a good view of a videoboard is also ideal. so those of you familiar with pimlico, what's ideal?

which shirt is less likely to provoke me getting attacked by baltimore's roving rape gangs -- a bryce harper t-shirt jersey or a tshirt that says "RGIII" in big letters on the front?

RG3 for sure

yeah I generally get the vibe that Baltimore legit hate the Skins, but O's/Nats generally only exists on this board.

Standard Preakness Infield Moment:

One year (late 90s) we were next to a group of dirtballs from PA who brought two small tents. Guys were going in and out all morning - we figured they were getting high or taking a piss. Around 10:30, two Baltimore Street, fat, fake-fur wearing whores emerged.

If memory is right there is a little bit of a high spot over about midway between turns three and four, enough that you can actually see the horses all the way around to the stretch.

There is a huge element of Philly and Jersey trash at Preakness. I'd wager a full quarter of the infield is from out of state. Got caught up in a huge, brutal brawl with a big crew of Philly trash in '07 because someone tore down their makeshift PVC pipe flag pole with an Eagles flag on it.

Ticket sales are way up this year. Wouldn't be surprised to see 110k in the infield. Could get old school gnarly.

As you come out of the tunnel, go left for straight debauchery/madness. Go right toward turn 1 to nab an open spot on grass, less crowded, near actual bathrooms and betting windows. Did option 1 thr first three times, option 2 the last time in '06. Definitely the way to go unless non byob changed the layout.

Been there many times since early 90's.
If sunny, wear tshirt, shorts, tennis shoes, and take sunscreen as there is little respite from sun.
If rainy, where same thing but take shoes that will be ruined.
Shoes are important for port a pots....which get progressively nasty as day goes on
The byob days were great. Alas they are gone. I went first year after banning byob and was pulled aside and interviewed by racing authorities. I suggested beer cups, refillable, bracelet,etc. Next year they did this but didn't have enough lines for beer. Hopefully they fixed this.

I'm still on infield but now get invited to infield stands which is good for sauce accessibility. I still roam the infield though. Lots of character still and fewer fights now. It's a great time. I do recommend watching and betting on ponies before you get too sloshed.