Preakness Stakes 2016: Race Time, Festivities, Forecast

The Baltimore Police Department's mounted unit was at Pimlico on Thursday, May 19. Photo Credit: Baltimore Police.

BALTIMORE, MD – Huge balloons are rising overhead as the region readies for the 141st annual Preakness Stakes.

Pre-Preakness Activities: Balloons, Autographs

The Preakness Celebration Hot Air Balloon Festival at Turf Valley in Ellicott City runs Thursday and Friday.

A jockey autograph session is slated for 10 to 11 a.m. at the Pimlico grandstand on Friday, which is also Black-Eyed Susan Day. The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes post time is 4:50 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday Showers for Preakness?

The forecast is showing a 100 percent chance of rain on Saturday. The high is 60 degrees and the low is 52, according to the National Weather Service.

Under clear skies, Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist on Thursday went for his final gallop before Saturday's race. His trainer has said he is saving his energy in his quest for the second jewel in the Triple Crown. Nyquist has secured the third post position for the Preakness Stakes.

Related: Nyquist Settles in at Pimlico Before Preakness

Post time is 6:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Here's the lineup:

1. Cherry Wine
2. Uncle Lino
3. Nyquist
4. Awesome Speed
5. Exaggerator
6. Lani
7. Collected
8. Laoban
9. Abiding Star
10. Fellowship
11. Stradivari

There's a $1.5 million purse for the winner at the Preakness.

How to Watch Preakness at Home

NBC Sports will broadcast live from Pimlico at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, with coverage continuing on NBC at 5 p.m.

XBTV will also carry live coverage online and interviews from Black-Eyed Susan Day and Preakness.

Thousands Set to Attend Preakness

Last year when American Pharaoh was running, Pimlico was packed with a crowd of 131,680, setting a record for attendance at Pimlico, according to Maryland Secretary of Commerce Mike Gill.

Related: 2016 Preakness Time, Tickets, Parking, Traffic And More

On Saturday, May 21, gates will open at 8 a.m. at Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215.

There will be activities and other races all day leading up to the 6:45 p.m. post time for the Preakness.

The Budweiser Infieldfest will feature performances from The Chainsmokers and Fetty Wap, among others.

Tickets

Tickets for the Preakness are still available.

Parking

Parking is available near the race course for various prices. See the full list and parking map here.

Reserving a parking pass will guarantee you a parking space until 3 p.m., according to the Preakness website, and officials say the lots will "probably fill by noon."