Arlington International Racecourse

Arlington International Racecourse, commonly referred to as Arlington Park, was a horse racing track and entertainment complex located in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Here is some information about Arlington International Racecourse:

History: Arlington International Racecourse opened its doors on October 13, 1927. It was founded by businessman Harry D. “Curly” Brown and designed by architect Zachary Taylor Davis, known for his work on Chicago’s Wrigley Field. The track quickly gained recognition as a premier racing venue.

Racing Events: Arlington International Racecourse hosted numerous high-profile horse racing events. The most notable among them was the Arlington Million, inaugurated in 1981. It was the first race to offer a million-dollar purse and became one of the richest turf races in the world. The track also hosted other prestigious races, such as the Beverly D. Stakes and the Secretariat Stakes.

Facilities: The racecourse spanned over 320 acres and featured a grandstand with a seating capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators. It offered various amenities, including dining options, hospitality suites, picnic areas, and a paddock where horses were saddled and paraded before the races.

Turf Track and Polytrack: Arlington International Racecourse was known for its turf track, which was renowned for its beauty and provided a challenging surface for turf racing. In 2007, the track also introduced a synthetic racing surface called Polytrack, designed to enhance safety and durability.

Closure: In 2019, the owner of Arlington International Racecourse, Churchill Downs Incorporated, announced that it would not seek a gaming license for the track. The closure of the facility was confirmed, marking the end of its nearly century-long history as a racing venue. The final races at Arlington Park were held on September 25, 2021.