The Preakness seems to have a love-hate relationship with its longstanding tradition of an event where people go and get really, really drunk. Two years ago, race organizers banned infield spectators from bringing in their own alcohol. After a massive drop in attendance, organizers went the other way in 2010, keeping up the ban, but offering spectators a $20 all-you-can-drink package.
So what's in store for 2011? The $20 all-you-can-drink special remains (though you have to join the "Mug Club" to access it), but with an added twist. The picture you see there is "Kegasus," a beer-drinking centaur that is hailed as the "Lord and Protector of Infieldfest." It's the mascot of this year's event, and it reminds us to "be legendary."
Essentially, Pegasus is the manifestation of the Captain Morgan and Dos Equis characters spliced together, only as a centaur that appeals to the drunken debauchery we see in frat houses. Or, at least, that's my best attempt at trying to make sense of him. More below the jump:
Maryland Jockey Club President Tom Chuckas describes him as follows (via the Baltimore Business Journal):
"Kegasus speaks directly to our InfieldFest demographic with his no-nonsense personality and total embodiment of a good time."
There are approximately 532 different ways I'd describe Pegasus before "no nonsense," but to each his own. You can also follow Pegasus on Twitter at @allhailkegasus.
As for the rest of the entertainment, Bruno Mars will perform at this year's Infield concert, with regional band Mr. Greengates, alt-rock band Puddle of Mudd and country singer Phil Vassar on a second stage.
(via Washington City Paper and Dan Steinberg)