The Maryland Jockey Club today announced 2013 Preakness InfieldFest will include performances by Pitbull and by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. Both will play extended sets on the main stage in the public Infield on Saturday, May 18 at Pimlico Race Course when the Maryland Jockey Club, North America's oldest sporting organization, hosts the 138th renewal of the Preakness Stakes.
The annual running of the Preakness is an American institution. First contested in 1873, it is one of thoroughbred horse racing's most valued Grade 1 stakes races. Now one of the largest single-day sporting events in the United States, "The People's Race...The People's Party" has hosted up to 121,309 for the pivotal middle jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown at famed Pimlico.
International superstar Pitbull has risen to become a global sensation as both a recording and performing artist. The Miami-native added to a long-and-growing list of hits with his first #1 and the 2012 Billboard Music Award for Radio Song of the Year, “Give Me Everything” from his album Planet Pit, which earned critical acclaim and enjoyed massive commercial success with sales of more than 1.7 million albums and 18 million singles. Pitbull’s current single “Don’t Stop The Party” is a global radio and video hit and is also featured on his new album Global Warming.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have emerged as a premier national hip-hop group known for their electrifying live shows, expertly crafted music and innovative music videos. Last year was a banner year for the duo. Their debut full-length album, The Heist, shot into the #1 spot on iTunes and debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts without the support of a traditional record label. While on their 70-city sold out world tour supporting The Heist , their catchy single, “Thrift Shop”, landed them at #1 on the Billboard charts.
“InfieldFest at the Preakness enters its fifth year positioned as the region’s biggest, best and most unique party,” said Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas. “There is no other event where fans can revel so completely in a multiple entertainment festival experience that features a legendary American horse race and first-class music with national headliners delivering non-stop action throughout the day. The Preakness Infield has long been a rite of passage for generations and 2013 promises to continue that tradition.”
GRAMMY winners Maroon 5 (2012), Bruno Mars (2011), Train (2011) and Zac Brown (2010) have performed on the main stage in previous years as well as Rock and Rock Hall of Famers ZZ Top (2009), Buckcherry (2009), O.A.R. (2010) and Wiz Khalifa (2012).
In addition to the main stage headliners, Preakness InfieldFest will feature live music from top acts on a second stage, presented by Jägermeister, and a variety of other activities. The Jägermeister stage acts and a third main stage artist will be announced shortly.
Two expansive and redesigned MUG Club areas will serve MUG Club ticket holders efficiently and accessibly. For an additional $20 to a regular admission ticket to the public Infield, fans receive a souvenir mug for unlimited refills of beer.
Infield Tickets will be reduced to $40, with a MUG Club package $60 for a 24-hour period, ending at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 26 before returning to $50 (Infield Ticket) and $70 (MUG Club) through May 11. Prices increase to $60 (Infield Ticket) and $80 (MUG Club) during Preakness week.
Seating information and ticket reservations are available at www.preakness.com.