The Preakness Stakes—the second jewel in horse racing's Triple Crown—is almost here, and this year's 151st running comes with a historic twist. For the first time in over a century, the race will not take place at its legendary home, Pimlico Race Course, which is undergoing a major facility upgrade. Instead, the action shifts to Laurel Park in Laurel, Maryland, on Saturday, May 16.

This year's Preakness is also making headlines for who won't be in the starting gate. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo and another top contender, Crude Velocity, are both sitting out. Their trainers have opted to rest them, setting their sights on the Belmont Stakes in June. That leaves the field wide open for a new star to emerge under the Maryland sun.

If you're planning to watch, mark your calendar: televised coverage kicks off at 1 p.m. ET, with the main race scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on NBC. You can catch the broadcast through cable providers like DirecTV or stream it live on Peacock. DirecTV's Choice tier, currently available for $104.98 per month (with a $10 discount for the first three months), gives you access to NBC and other key sports channels like ABC and ESPN, plus free ESPN Unlimited.

For those lucky enough to attend in person, tickets are still available—a rare chance to witness history at a new venue before the Preakness returns to its renovated home at Pimlico in 2027. Whether you're trackside or watching from your living room, this year's race promises to deliver all the drama and excitement that makes the Triple Crown unforgettable.