The first phase of demolition work will start on Thursday to make way for Maryland’s $400 million Pimlico Race Course redevelopment.
Maryland Stadium Authority officials announced that demolition is set to begin on July 24 on the barns and outbuildings near Winner Avenue. They’re the first buildings targeted for demolition so construction can begin on a new racing and meeting facility scheduled for completion by the spring of 2027.
In 2024, Maryland’s General Assembly passed legislation that authorizes the stadium authority 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 stadium authority and the Maryland Board of Public Works approved demolition plans in May. In preparation for the work that begins this week, all horses were moved out of the facility in June; the Maryland State Archives began removing and securing artifacts from the property, and the stadium authority began securing the site by installing temporary fencing, performing pest control and preparing utilities. A ceremonial event to mark the start of demolition of the existing Pimlico clubhouse is being planned for later this summer.
“Through this multi-year transformational project, 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,” said stadium authority chair Craig A. Thompson, in a statement.
The stadium authority is overseeing construction in partnership with the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, the Maryland Jockey Club and the Park Heights community. Clark Construction Group is the construction manager for the Pimlico project, including demolition. Ayers Saint Gross and Populous are designing the facilities in Baltimore and Carroll County.
During the demolition and construction process, all racing and training will occur at Laurel Park, including the 151st Preakness Stakes in 2026. Construction is scheduled for completion in time for the 152nd Preakness Stakes to be held at the new Pimlico racing facility in 2027.
The complete demolition timetable has been posted on the stadium authority’s website, mdstad.com. Demolition of the barns and outbuildings is scheduled to be finished by mid-September. The schedule calls for demolition of the existing grandstand to begin in early August and be complete by mid-October and for demolition of the existing clubhouse to begin by late August and be complete by mid to late-November. The clubhouse is the last phase of demolition.
As part of the project, the stadium authority plans to develop an exhibition about the history and significance of Pimlico Race Course. The exhibition will incorporate salvaged artifacts, oral histories, photographs, graphics and other materials for display in the new clubhouse. Themes will include 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 the Preakness.
