Agreement Builds On Oak View Group’s Baltimore Footprint, Anchored By The Redevelopment Of CFG Bank Arena
LAUREL, MD—The Maryland Jockey Club today announced a new multi-year partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, including venue development, venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Under the agreement, OVG Global Partnerships will lead the development and sales of brand partnerships for Pimlico Race Course, home of the legendary Preakness Stakes, the second jewel in the Triple Crown, when the historic track reopens in 2027.
The collaboration marks the first time OVG will represent a U.S. horse racing property for partnerships, expanding the company’s global portfolio into one of the sport’s most storied events. The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, attracts fans, brands, and international attention each year as one of the premier events in global sport and entertainment.
The announcement builds on OVG’s growing investment in Baltimore, following the successful redevelopment and reopening of CFG Bank Arena. Since reopening after a more than $250 million transformation led by OVG, the arena has re-established itself as one of the East Coast’s premier destinations for concerts, sports, and major live events.
“We believe deeply in the Baltimore community and its residents,” said Dan Griffis, President, OVG Global Partnerships. “We have invested more than $250 million into this community with CFG Bank Arena, and we remain committed to helping drive meaningful outcomes for the city. Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness Stakes represent an iconic global property that attracts a highly desirable audience. With the world-class renovations underway and nearing completion, this venue is poised to reemerge on the global stage and attract visitors from around the world. We look forward to partnering with leading brands that want to grow their presence through the unique marketing platforms and experiences this venue provides.”
Through the partnership, OVG Global Partnerships will work alongside Pimlico leadership to develop innovative brand integrations across the historic racecourse, the Preakness Stakes, and year-round programming opportunities tied to the venue.
“Partnering with Oak View Group brings an unmatched level of global partnerships expertise to Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness Stakes,” said Bill Knauf, President and General Manager of The Maryland Jockey Club. “As we continue investing in the future of this historic venue, OVG’s ability to connect world-class brands with one of sport’s most celebrated events will help elevate the fan experience and ensure the Preakness remains a premier destination for fans and partners alike.”
The agreement positions the Preakness Stakes and Pimlico Race Course to capitalize on the momentum of ongoing modernization efforts, creating new opportunities for premium sponsorships, brand activations, hospitality experiences, and year-round engagement.
Oak View Group’s Global Partnerships is an award-winning division, founded by Griffis in 2015, and recognized for its leadership in sponsorship sales, brand consulting, analytics/valuation and partnership activation – boasting 42 completed naming rights agreements and selling over $6.8 billion in total partnership revenue across 736 brands since 2018.
