Kegasus Returns As Preakness Stakes Looks to Bring Back the Party, Eclipse 100,000-Fan Mark (Video)

by John Beattie on Wed, May 18, 2011 at 9:29AM

Kegasus is back, but will the Preakness party return to its old ways, too?

The Preakness Stakes' mascot — the "Lord of the InfieldFest" — is looking to lure fans back through the gates after two straight summers of disappointment. After eight consecutive years of getting at least 100,000 attendees to take in the annual horse race in Maryland, a ban on BYOB in 2009 dropped attendance to 77,850. Last year, just 95,760 fans passed through the turnstiles, aided slightly by Kegasus' Preakness motto "Get Your Preak On."

Infield tickets have been priced at $40 in advance ($50 during Preakness week) and fans will be able to participate in the Mug Club for a second year. For $60 ($70 during Preakness week), Mug Club members get an infield ticket and a mug that will be refilled with beer at no extra charge.

Check out the mascot's news conference of Saturday's big race below.