With the Preakness being run in just a little more than 24 hours it’s only appropriate that this award go to the group that initiated the destruction of one of the greatest events in Baltimore and the Mid-Atlantic region. For generations of Baltimoreans Preakness was an unforgettable day to spend with close friends and pretty much anyone you knew from high school and/or college in the area.
Sure, things became rowdy, this became a regular occurrence, and general debauchery was taken to new heights, but considering that crowds reached 100,000 and beyond the amount of injuries and security hazards were kept to a relative minimum. The old guard at the MJC was less than thrilled with the nature of the 21st Century Infield so they used the weight of their entire organization to put their foot down and end Preakness as we knew it.
No longer could you bring in beverages from the outside, making it a significantly more expensive day if you planned on enjoying some ICFCBs on a hot, sunny day. The greatest tradition of the greatest party in Baltimore was now dead. Understandably they wanted to cut down on the pandemonium that ensued each year, but this is something that happened under their watch as well. They let the infield exist as a relatively lawless society for 12 hours each year and then became enraged when people pushed the limits of what was allowed.
Were stricter security measures put in place? A limit on the amount of alcohol per person that could be brought in? No, just a full scale overhaul of what was a beloved day for much of Baltimore’s younger generation. And then to show just how out of touch they are with the former patrons of the event the MJC brought in outside “entertainment” like ZZ Top and some other bullshit that wouldn’t be worth 50 cents to see.
Then what happened? Baltimoreans staged a grand protest against the new policies and Preakness was an embarassment for the MJC. The Bohs and O’s staff laughed during overhead shots of the event on TV as we watched while at a rooftop deck party. There was no one there; you could see the green grass of the infield all over the place, which hadn’t been visible in years on Preakness day.
This year they’ve started a “mug club” with all you can drink beer for a $20 fee and brought in more popular bands, which is a step in the right direction but I still see many potential flaws in this plan, most of which are outlined here. Until I get confirmed reports of a successful event from someone other than an MJC rep (they’ve been known to adjust the reality of their event) then maybe I’ll consider returning to Pimlico.
The Preakness is perhaps Baltimore’s greatest tradition and most notable event on a national scale, something that was enjoyed by all generations of locals but now that tradition has been ruined by the stuffy old bastards of the Maryland Jockey Club. The youth of Baltimore no longer feels a connection to or responsibility to be at the Preakness and maintain it’s tremendous popularity. In that vein it’s only right that the Maryland Jockey Club accepts this award; the Cot of the Week.
2 Comments
I agree with awarding the MJC the Cot of the Week, but I hope that we are forced to rescind it. I was mad as anyone last year when they instituted the ban, but now I am rooting for them fix things this year. I am still skeptical about the logistics of serving 60,000 people unlimited beer, but perhaps they can pull it off. Hopefully they will be able to distribute beer efficiently so the debauchery can return. The flying beer cans will be missed but maybe that is not so terrible. They have definitely taken a step in the right direction with the bands. If I was not going to Sugarland on Sunday, I might have been enticed to pay $40 even if it was only to see the Zack Brown Band.
I’m sure old line would pay 40 for OAR, ill let you know how it goes this year. I praise the MJC for bringing more people back to old hilltop, hopefully it will return to its once glorious form.