Today’s Washington Post posted an article today by Lisa Rein about the changes that had been made at the Preakness race track for yesterday’s race.  The infield of the race had been known as an all-day party with rowdiness as a routine part of the menu.  The racetrack sought to change that by banning spectators from bringing their own beverages into the infield.  They wanted to restore some civility to the area (ending the topless women and flying beer cans).

One racing fan on Facebook protested the move–according to the article:

“Ryan Goff, 24, a Baltimore resident who works in media marketing and started one of many Facebook groups that protested the change. “What’s the point of going?” someone wrote on one of the pages. “As if there’s some reason to be there other than drinking and partying.” “

But there was another viewpoint also:

“For all the criticism, the new policy also drew some new spectators. Mark Lennon, 30, who works at the University of Baltimore Law School, said he had stayed away from the infield for years because of its rowdy reputation.

“I was hesitant to come,” Lennon, of Baltimore, said. “I’d like the day to be about the actual event, which is horses.””

In watching the event, I noticed that all the owners were in suits and ties and looked very formal.  The beginning of civility in the infield initially has caused a serious attendance drop, but hopefully that will be reversed.  I credit the officials at the Pimlico Race Course for their efforts to bring civility back to the race.