Aug 9, 2008 11:25 pm US/Eastern
3rd Annual Virgin Mobile Fest Is This Weekend
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
The Virgin Mobile Fest has found a home at Pimlico Race Track. The event is now in its third year in Baltimore.
As
Gigi Barnett explains, that means a financial boost for Pimlico.
In the late spring, the Preakness floods Pimlico's gates with fans who pack the infield and grandstands with thousands of dollars. By mid-summer, there's its second largest money-maker: the Virgin Mobile Fest.
"We just couldn't be more happy to be back here," said event manager Carter Angus.
Last year, roughly 75,000 people bought tickets to the weekend festival, traveled from D.C., Philadelphia and New York and grooved in the dance tents.
Angus says Old Hilltop is the only U.S. location for the 48-hour concert because it's close to major cities and big universities.
"We just love Pimlico. It's so perfect for us and the city of Baltimore has been amazing to use, obviously opened up their arms and welcomed us each year," he said.
The A-list lineup includes Bob Dylan and Kanye West.
Some parts of Baltimore are also on the fans' must-see list.
"We went into the Harbor yesterday and we had a look around and tried some of the seafood restaurants. It was lovely," said David Bisley.
One-day tickets cost $97. For the whole weekend, fans will pay about $175. That all adds up for Charm City when more than 75,000 people are expected to attend.
In addition to the music festival at Pimlico, Virgin Mobile also holds concerts in the UK and Canada.
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