The Preakness Stakes is far and away the most popular event in the Baltimore area every year. Nothing else comes close. But we know the hottest ticket in town every third Saturday of May isn’t at Pimlico, but in the stands at Loyola University Maryland’ Commencement.

So break out your blanket of Black-Eyed Susans and get ready for the 12 reasons why Loyola’s Commencement is the true second jewel of the Triple Crown.

It has taken four years for these graduates to strut across the stage. What could be more thrilling?

Commencement? You’re looking at 200 minutes or more, depending on the number of graduates with long last names.

Our crowds cheer louder than a Preakness infield—even though they’re told to hold their applause until the end.

Contrary to what you might have heard, the crowd of Preakness patrons is not the epicenter of spring fashion. Our students are dressed in all the appropriate attire. They’re so confident, in fact, that they’re willing to cover up their lewks with a boring gown for half the day.

Loyola welcomes important and inspirational public figures to address our students and mark this momentous occasion. The Preakness welcomes equally important public figures, but they only get to address the horses. (In fairness, the Governor does get interviewed on national television during the trophy presentation.)

A Loyola education is a valuable investment—and we have the stats to prove it.

And why wouldn’t they?

But if we chose one, we’d make sure it bloomed in Maryland before June. (That Black-Eyed Susan blanket draped over the winning horse is made of Viking daisies.)