Traffic Advisory District
Anne Arundel County Police Prepare for Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park
The Anne Arundel County Police Department is issuing a traffic advisory ahead of the 102nd running of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes leading into the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes, both held at Laurel Race Track (Laurel Park).
The Black-Eyed Susan race is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, and the Preakness Stakes will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026. For the first time in the history of the event, Preakness celebrations take place at Laurel Park while the long-term, state-led redevelopment of Pimlico Race Course is underway.
Due to the event’s capped attendance at 4,800 tickets each day, our department does not anticipate any significant extended traffic delays. We expect heavier-than-normal traffic as attendees arrive at the racetrack; however, major congestion is not foreseen.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department and allied partner law enforcement agencies have developed a traffic plan and there will be officers stationed at key intersections to facilitate traffic flow on major roadways like MD-198, Whiskey Bottom Road, and Brock Bridge Road. Appropriate staffing levels will be maintained both inside Laurel Park and around the perimeter for public safety and traffic control. Please note that no road closures are anticipated.