T-Pain & Wyclef Jean To Rock Preakness 150

For the first time in years, the Preakness Stakes is saying goodbye to its signature infield music festival. Instead, the 150th running of the Triple Crown race on May 17 will feature Grammy-winning artists Wyclef Jean and T-Pain in a newly configured concert experience.

Organizers announced that the performers will take the stage facing the grandstand at Pimlico Race Course, marking a significant shift in how music will be presented at the event. Jean, a founding member of the Fugees and a solo artist with nine albums to his name, will perform during the day’s festivities, including a televised song during NBC’s coverage. Following the conclusion of the race, T-Pain will close out the celebration. The rapper and singer recently earned acclaim for his performance at Coachella in April.

This isn’t the first Preakness appearance for Jean, who performed during the 2020 pandemic-delayed edition. T-Pain, meanwhile, last appeared in Baltimore during his 2023 “Mansion In Wiscansin Party” tour and also performed at halftime of the Ravens’ 2024 AFC Championship game.

The revamped concert setup will be visible to grandstand ticket holders, with the stage positioned north of the iconic cupola and under a new LED board. VIP guests in the Finish Line Suites and the Chalet will also have a clear view, while others—including fans in the new Infield Fan Zone—can watch the performances on live-stream screens.

Replacing the traditional festival atmosphere, the Infield Fan Zone will feature a 22,000-square-foot covered party space hosted by Ravens legend Ray Lewis. With capacity for about 3,000 guests, it’s a more intimate setup compared to past infield crowds.

Preakness attendance has dipped since the pandemic, falling from over 131,000 in 2019 to under 47,000 in recent years. Organizers say that’s partly due to constraints at the aging Pimlico venue. But this year, optimism is high. Bill Knauf, president of the newly formed Maryland Jockey Club nonprofit, noted that ticket sales are “going extremely well” compared to recent years.

Knauf credited the surge in interest to the milestone 150th running and the fact that this will likely be the final Preakness at historic Pimlico before future renovations.

While some questioned the decision to forgo the usual infield concert — which has featured major names like Jack Harlow in 2024 — excitement still surrounds this year’s festivities. Board member Chuck Tildon called the jump in ticket sales “a head-scratcher,” but Knauf said the significance of the occasion is driving enthusiasm.

In addition to race day performances, a separate Preakness-affiliated concert will take place on May 14 at Pier Six Pavilion. That show will feature DJ D-Nice, Jadakiss, Too Short, and Deborah Cox.

Preakness 2025 Switches It Up: T-Pain & Wyclef Jean To Rock The Track  was originally published on rone92q.staging.go.ione.nyc