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

It's almost time for the 141st Preakness, which takes place this Saturday, May 21, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist will go for a second win in as many times out this year in the quest for the 2016 Triple Crown.

NBC Sports has the TV coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. At 5 p.m., the race coverage switches over to NBC.

• The Preakness post time is 6:45 p.m., and the actual race will run shortly after that.

Here's what else you need to know, whether you're going, trying to watch on TV or just want to avoid the traffic.

Tickets

Tickets for the Preakness are still available here. If you want to buy tickets second-hand, check StubHub here.

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."

Traffic

Here are the special traffic patterns that will be in place on Preakness weekend:

1. ROGERS AVE. will be closed to all vehicle traffic from Winner Ave. to Northern Pkwy. from 10:00 p.m. Thursday, May 19th until 9:00 p.m. Preakness night, Saturday, May 21st (Pedestrian foot traffic only).

2. WINNER AVE. will be one-way Northbound from Hayward Ave. to Northern Parkway beginning at 10:00 p.m. Thursday night, May 19th until 9:00 p.m. Preakness night, May 21st.

3. HAYWARD AVE. will be one-way Eastbound from Park Heights Ave. to Winner Ave. beginning at 7:00 a.m. Preakness morning, May 21st until 3:00 p.m. Preakness Day.

4. HORSEMEN: A temporary one-way entrance for automobile traffic to the Hayward Stable Area entrance will be created through the #6 Press Lot behind Barn E, accessible via Winner Ave. beginning at 7:00 a.m. Black-Eyed Susan morning, Friday, May 20th, until 9:00 p.m. Preakness night Saturday, May 21st.

What you can and can't bring in

Back packs, duffle bags and drinks of any kind are not allowed in both the infield and elsewhere throughout the stadium.

For a full list of prohibited items, click here.

Schedule of events

Wednesday, May 18

The Preakness post draw, where horses' positions are determined through a blind draw, will take place at 5 p.m. and will be live-streamed at www.drf.com.

Friday, May 20

Pimlico Race Course's other signature race, Black-Eyed Susan Day, will take place the day before Pimlico. For more information on Black-Eyed Susan Day, click here.

Saturday, May 21

Gates open beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday morning, when the day's festivities begin. The Budweiser Infieldfest will feature performances from The Chainsmokers and Fetty Wap, among others.

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