For the first time in three years, the Preakness is expected to draw revelers by the tens of thousands, a welcome jump in attendance that’s selling out some Baltimore hotels and giving others a much-needed boost.
As it rebounds from the pandemic, the city’s lodging sector is looking for an influx of business from the 147th Preakness Stakes, kicking off at Pimlico Race Course without COVID-19 crowd restrictions. The event also will feature the return of the traditional infield concert and the debut of a culinary, arts and music festival on Friday.
Celena Dotson, general manager of the Hampton Inn Baltimore, said the 126-room hotel near Camden Yards expects to sell out, and others in the area likely will too.
“We’re all looking to do pretty well over Preakness weekend,” Dotson said.
The hotel, like others in the city and beyond, took a “heavy hit” in reservations during the pandemic. But Preakness weekend picked up even last…
