Arlington Park

Arlington Park is a former horse racing track and entertainment complex located in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Unfortunately, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Arlington Park has permanently closed, marking the end of its nearly century-long history as a prominent racing venue.

Here are some key details about Arlington Park:

History: Arlington Park opened on October 13, 1927. It was founded by businessman Harry D. “Curly” Brown and designed by architect Zachary Taylor Davis, who also designed Chicago’s Wrigley Field. The track quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier horse racing venues in the United States.

Racing Events: Arlington Park was known for hosting prestigious horse racing events, including the Arlington Million, which was inaugurated in 1981 and became the first-ever thoroughbred race with a million-dollar purse. The track also hosted the Breeders’ Cup in 2002.

Facilities: The Arlington Park complex spanned over 320 acres and included a grandstand, several dining options, picnic areas, and a paddock. The grandstand had a capacity of approximately 50,000 spectators.

Notable Horses: Many famous horses have competed at Arlington Park throughout its history. Some notable winners of the Arlington Million include John Henry, Cigar, and The Tin Man.

Closure: In 2019, the owner of Arlington Park, Churchill Downs Incorporated, announced that it would not seek a gaming license for the track, raising concerns about the future of the venue. Despite efforts by various stakeholders to preserve horse racing at Arlington Park, the track held its final races on September 25, 2021.