BALTIMORE -- They changed the policy allowing fans to bring in their own booze for the Preakness this year, and the change is remarkable.

The armies of people walking along Northern Parkway carrying or pushing cases and cases and cases of beer are gone. The only people in the streets are the local residents directing cars to private parking lots at $35 a pop.

Today's weather isn't helping. It's overcast and breezy, with a 50 percent chance of rain. It feels like it could downpour at any time. Scattered thunderstorms are in the forecast, but they aren't expected to hit until around 6.....15 minutes before post time of the big race.

First post is 10:15 in what is the longest day in North American racing. The 13th and final race is scheduled to go off exactly nine hours later.

It was quiet on a morning tour around the Pimlico stakes barn, so much so that ZZ Top, the headliner for today's new Infield Fest, was sleeping in their traveling van. Apparently they arrived at the track around 4 a.m.

The beach volleyball tournament is underway in the infield. Shortly, Infield Fest hostess, the lovely Miss Stacy Keibler, a Baltimore native and former female wrestler, will formally kick off the event. Not even she could bring in the crowd.

The Pimlico dirt gets more greasy than muddy when its wet, so keep an eye on the weather if you're wagering today, and good luck!