As a horse racing fan, I was deeply saddened to hear the news that after nearly 100 years of operation, Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, IL will be closing permanently later this year. This iconic track has been a fixture of Midwest horse racing for generations, hosting prestigious races like The Arlington Million and drawing crowds nearing 60,000 in its heyday. But a steep decline in attendance and handle, along with massive losses in 2020 due to COVID-19, led to the decision to shutter its doors. This feels like the end of an era, not just for the track, but for the sport in Illinois. Here‘s the full story behind the closure, and what it means for the racing community.
A Storied History Cut Short
Let‘s start from the beginning – Arlington Park opened all the way back in 1927, and from the inaugural meet it attracted huge crowds that flocked there from Chicago and beyond. Some of the key moments in its long history:
- Inaugural meet in 1927 draws incredible 25,000 fans on opening day
- Legendary Seabiscuit raced there in the late 30s during his Triple Crown run
- Hit peak attendance of over 58,000 in 1947 – one of highest ever recorded
- Notable racers like Citation and Secretariat competed in the track‘s prestigious stakes
- Hosted the first thoroughbred race with a $1 million purse – The Arlington Million in 1981
- Expanded the grandstand to 55,000 seat capacity in 1989
- Added a state-of-the-art paddock club, suites and event spaces in 1999 renovation
Just writing this makes me nostalgic for the golden age of racing at Arlington in the 20th century. Unfortunately, the last two decades have seen a slow decline.
The Downward Spiral
Back in 2000, Arlington Park averaged daily attendance of 10,000 and wagering handle of $1.8 million – quite healthy compared to other Midwest tracks. By 2019, however, attendance had dwindled to 1,600 and handle just $1.1 million. What happened?
Several factors have been blamed, including increased competition from riverboat casinos starting in the 90s. Fans had more entertainment options and ditched horse racing. Meanwhile, IL racing relied heavily on casino "racino" revenue. Arlington owner Churchill Downs spent millions on renovations in the 90s and 2000s trying to keep the track viable, but it was fighting an uphill battle.
Here are the grim attendance stats:
| Year | Average Daily Attendance |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 10,000 |
| 2005 | 6,000 |
| 2010 | 3,300 |
| 2019 | 1,600 |
You see the trend here – a steady downward slide. Simulcast and OTB wagering kept revenue afloat for a while, but it was never enough to stop hemorrhaging money.
Dealt a Knockout Blow by COVID-19
Just when it seemed like Arlington Park was nearing its inevitable demise, COVID-19 struck in 2020. The shutdown of American sports dealt a devastating blow to an already struggling track.
All racing in Illinois was suspended from mid-March to mid-June. When the shortened season resumed, Arlington was only granted approval for a spectator-less 3-day summer meet.
The stats from 2020 paint a depressing picture:
- Total season handle: $27 million
- Total attendance: 0
- 2020 loss: $10 million
Losing out on 6 months of racing AND fans combined with huge overhead costs made 2020 an absolute bloodbath. It was the knockout punch that finally sealed the track‘s fate.
Why the Illinois Racing Board Shut it Down
After the disastrous 2020 season, Arlington‘s owner Churchill Downs made it clear the track was bleeding money and wouldn‘t survive much longer. When the lease for the racing license came up for renewal, the Illinois Racing Board took decisive action.
Citing massive declines in revenue and attendance, the board ruled not to renew Arlington‘s license. As owner Tony Petrillo explained, "the situation at Arlington Park is a microcosm of what‘s happened here in Illinois horse racing."
The state simply could not continue propping up a failing enterprise out of nostalgia. So after nearly a century, the track‘s days as a racing venue are now numbered.
What This Means for Illinois Horse Racing
Make no mistake – Arlington Park‘s closure deals a huge blow to racing in Illinois. As the state‘s premier track and highest purse source by far, its absence leaves a gaping hole.
The IL Thoroughbred Horsemen‘s Association estimates the shutdown means:
- At least $180 million in economic activity lost annually
- $15 million less in purse money
- 1,200 jobs displaced
Many horsemen are struggling and will likely need to ship their runners to claim races in other states. The local breeding industry also takes a hit with reduced racing opportunities.
Fans are lamenting the loss of a beloved venue full of memories. While Arlington‘s run was long past its prime, it‘s still a sad day for Northern IL racing.
What Comes Next? Redevelopment Plans
So what happens now to the 325 acres occupied for nearly a century by Arlington Park?
Well, local officials have made it clear they want to see the site become a big economic development opportunity. Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said "it represents one of the largest contiguous parcel developments opportunities in Chicagoland."
Some proposals floated include:
- New Chicago Bears stadium and multi-use complex
- Retail, residential housing community
- Casino if state passes expanded gambling bill
Ideally the land can be transformed into something that provides jobs and growth for the region. But it‘s the end of an era regardless.
Saying Goodbye on a Personal Note
On a personal level, I have many fond memories of sunny summer afternoons spent at Arlington Park over the years. Like many locals, I learned to love horse racing by going there as a kid with my grandpa. It‘s sad to see it go.
But all good things come to an end eventually. For a track that traces its roots to prohibition and the roaring 20s, Arlington Park had an incredible run. I‘ll be there this summer to soak in the atmosphere one last time before the lights go dark.
The racing may be finished, but the memories will live on. Farewell, Arlington Park. Thank you for the good times over the years. You‘ll be missed.
