project Summary
In 2024, the Maryland legislature passed HB 1524 Racing Facility Ownership and Construction - Racing Operations which authorizes the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to issue $400 million in bonds to finance, demolish, design, and reconstruct the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and to build a new training facility at Shamrock Farm in Carroll County, the site chosen by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). Design of both facilities is led by Ayers Saint Gross/Populous and Clark Construction Group, LLC is tasked with the construction. Previously, MSA managed the Pimlico Race Course studies that examined the present conditions of Pimlico, and envisioned an ideal venue for the Preakness Stakes with year-round non-racing use of the facility for the benefit of the community.
In 2025, the MTROA which was tasked with creating and implementing a sustainable thoroughbred racing strategy for the state was sunset by the legislature. On June 30th, MTROA’s roles and responsibilities transitioned to the MSA and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO). MSA now owns Pimlico on behalf of the state of Maryland. MEDCO will oversee the Maryland Jockey Club, the newly formed non-profit (bearing a historic name), to operate Pimlico and the future training facility in Shamrock Farm in Carroll County. There is one budget for both projects that assumes $400 million in bonds and approximately $100 million in cash from the Racing and Community Development Financing Fund.
The state’s new year-round thoroughbred training center will be constructed at Shamrock Farm, located 20 miles from Pimlico, and will be designed with over 800 stalls for horses plus on-site housing, kitchen and recreation areas for workers.
With the final approval by the Maryland Board of Public Works of the demolition package, MSA revealed the design concepts for the Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility.
As part of the project, MSA will develop an exhibition about the history and significance of the Pimlico Race Course. The exhibition will use artifacts, oral histories, photographs, salvaged materials, and other appropriate graphics for display in the newly constructed Clubhouse and the publicly accessible spaces on the property and its perimeter. Themes highlighted will include, at a minimum, the history of Thoroughbred Racing in Maryland, Pimlico’s role in the history of Thoroughbred Racing, African American jockeys’ roles in Thoroughbred Racing, and the history and significance of Preakness.
MSA—in partnership with MEDCO and the Maryland Jockey Club, with the Park Heights community—will oversee the construction of the new Pimlico racing facility. Clark Construction will host outreach events for interested trades to learn about the project scope and schedule and the prequalification process. Subcontractor opportunities are and will be available through multiple contracts. In addition to a local hiring initiative, the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) goals are set at 35%.
MSA encourages residents and businesses near the Pimlico project to sign-up for the monthly community newsletter for information on upcoming construction activities, outages and major impacts, project milestones, plus bid and employment opportunities.
The Preakness Stakes 150th was held at Pimlico. Demolition of Pimlico will begin in Summer of 2025 and construction will begin soon after. All racing and training will occur at Laurel Park during the demolition and construction process. Preakness 151 will take place at Laurel Park and the Preakness is expected to return to Pimlico in 2027. Upon the completion of the new Pimlico, all racing will occur at the new facility with Laurel Park being retained by the private ownership group for a use they see fit.
During this multi-year transformation, the Pimlico Race Course will become a year-round racing facility bringing in economic benefits to the surrounding communities and further elevating Maryland, home of the Preakness Stakes, as a premiere sports tourism destination.
Presentation:
June 17, 2025 - Pimlico Community Public Meeting Presentation
Press Release:
July 23, 2025 - Maryland Stadium Authority Announces Demolition of the Pimlico Facility On Track
Structural demolition of barns and outbuildings scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 24, 2025
May 7, 2025 - Board of Public Works Approves Investments to Promote the Future of Thoroughbred Racing in Maryland
Contracting Opportunities:
Invitation to Bid - GMP #3 - Redevelopment of Pimlico Racing Facility - NEW
https://mdstad.com/contracts/invitation-bid-gmp-3-redevelopment-pimlico-racing-facility
Invitation to Bid - GMP #2 - Redevelopment of Pimlico Racing Facility
https://mdstad.com/contracts/invitation-bid-gmp-2-redevelopment-pimlico-racing-facility-baltimore-md
Invitation to Bid - GMP #1 - Redevelopment of Pimlico Racing Facility
https://mdstad.com/contracts/invitation-bid-gmp-1-redevelopment-pimlico-racing-facility
Community Newsletters:
July 2025 Construction Update - Redevelopment of Pimlico Racing Facility - Volume 3
June 2025 Construction Update - Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility - Volume 2
May 2025 Construction Update - Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility - Volume 1
Question, comment or feedback about the Maryland Stadium Authority's Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility and New Training Facility Project?
Please complete this form and a member of our project team will respond promptly: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeG8qdLN6RuMTwPW1TPkVHFxJpf2rXPhOC-r2zs6mNfHQPxbQ/viewform
Project Executive:
Gary McGuigan, Executive Vice President, Capital Projects Development Group
Project Director:
Al Tyler, Vice President, Capital Projects Development Group
Architect/Design:
Ayers Saint Gross
Construction Management Services:
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Anticipated Bond Proceeds:
$400 million
Historical Legislative Actions and Efforts Regarding the Redevelopment of the Pimlico Racing Facility and New Training Facility
