Selected Tickets Go On Sale Next Weekend At Virgin Festival
BALTIMORE, 07-26-07---The Maryland Jockey Club today unveiled the 2008 Preakness® logo and announced selected tickets for the middle jewel of the Triple Crown will be available next weekend, August 4th and 5th, during the second annual Virgin Festival at Pimlico Race Course. The 133rd running of the $1,000,000 Preakness Stakes (Grade I), is set for Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the historic track.
The Preakness logo for 2008 draws its inspiration from the popular Art Deco style of the 1920's and 30's. The stylized representation of traditional Preakness images can be seen throughout the logo which depicts a horse and jockey, Black-Eyed Susan flower and the venerable Pimlico clubhouse cupola. Use of the striking Maryland state flag colors of red, gold and black make an excellent transition to this year's logo.
For the ninth consecutive year, the Leffler Agency of Baltimore and Tampa designed the official Preakness logo. Jeff Sewell designed the 2008 logo. Four times this decade their Preakness designs have won major national awards for the agency.
"The building of the Preakness logo design for us is a special honor each year. The challenge of creating uniqueness each season with such an admired subject stirs the creativity of our designers annually," said agency principal Bob Leffler.
Selected tickets for the Preakness will be offered at special, one-time only pricing on August 4th and 5th during the Virgin Festival. The two-day concert in the Pimlico infield, headlined by The Police, Smashing Pumpkins and Beastie Boys, will feature a Preakness ticket booth for the pre-sale event in the following sections:
· Turfside Terrace
· Clubhouse Turn Reserve
· Top Of The Stretch
· Infield
A record crowd of 121,263 packed Pimlico May 19, the largest crowd to witness a sporting event in the state. Attendance figures have topped six-figures in eight of the last nine years, including seven straight.
“This year’s logo captures the essence and vitality of the Preakness with a sophisticated and classic glamour,” said Karin De Francis, Maryland Jockey Club Executive Vice President. “As we celebrate the 133rd renewal next May, fans can continue to look forward to enjoying one of the world’s premier events, where thrilling Thoroughbred racing, premium hospitality and lots of good old-fashioned American fun make the day from start to finish.”
All tickets and parking for the 133rd Preakness Stakes will be available for sale at the Pimlico box office beginning October 1, 2007. Selected Preakness tickets and parking will also be on sale at TicketMaster October 1.
-MJC-