Arlington International Racecourse will close its doors for the last time on October 14th, after a century of racing. The track has been sold to developers and plans are in place to demolish it and sell the land.
The closure comes as a surprise to many who frequented the racecourse over the years, but Churchill Downs is committed to providing ample opportunities for horse racing fans across North America. Churchill Downs is also planning to retire several other tracks throughout its properties- including Arlington Park- which means that beloved horses may not have their final stop at this iconic racetrack.
Is Arlington Race Track Closing?
Arlington International Racecourse will be closing its doors for good after the final day of racing on Sunday, September 3rd. The horse track has been in operation since 1875 and is responsible for establishing some of the most iconic races in American history including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
After this year’s race season comes to a close, all of the land that makes up Arlington Park will be sold off to developers. Churchill Downs plans to keep portions of the property as a recreational area for members while selling off other sections which would include their famous racetrack itself. Although there may be sadness among many longtime fans following this historical event, others are looking forward to seeing what new opportunities arise from it all.
Arlington International Racecourse is Closing
Arlington International Racecourse is set to close in the near future. The track has not been profitable for a few years now, and it does not look like things are going to improve any time soon.
This closure will be a major loss for racing fans in the area, as this facility was one of the most historic racetracks in North America. There have been rumors that some other race tracks may take over Arlington’s operations, but at this point it is still unclear what will happen next.
Many people are speculating about possible reasons behind the track’s financial struggles and whether or not they could have been avoided altogether
The Final Day of Racing in Arlington Park’s History
Arlington Park, which has been hosting horse racing since 1876, will close its gates for the final time on September 3rd. The track’s closure is a result of declining attendance and falling revenue – losses totaling $10 million over the past four years.
Despite efforts by management to keep the track open through host special events and simulcasting races from other tracks, it was clear that they were not enough to save the facility. While some locals are sad to see their local race track go, others are looking forward to seeing what new businesses will move in to take its place – especially with all of the development happening in Arlington Heights these days.
If you’re planning on going out during Arlington Park’s final day of operation (September 3rd), be sure to arrive early as it could get crowded.
Acres of Land Will be Sold to Developers
Arlington Race Track is scheduled to close in 2019, and the grounds will be sold to developers. This means that there are many opportunities for people who want to buy land near the race track.
There have been talks of turning part of the property into a casino or mixed-use development, but no final decisions have been made yet. If you’re interested in buying land around Arlington Race Track, now is the time to act.
The closing date for Arlington RaceTrack has not yet been announced, so please stay tuned for updates.
Churchill Downs Plans to Close the Track and Sell the Property
Churchill Downs is planning to close the track and sell the property after more than 150 years in business. The closure of the track has drawn widespread criticism from horse racing enthusiasts, who say it will devastate the local economy.
Despite this outcry, officials with Churchill Downs claim that they have no other choice given declining attendance rates and mounting debts. Some are calling for a boycott of races at Churchill Downs until the track closes permanently, but others believe that protests will have little effect on corporate decisions made outside of Kentucky’s borders Whatever happens next, one thing is clear: The Arlington Race Track has left an indelible mark on history in Louisville – and all of Kentucky
Is Arlington Heights race track closing?
It is with a heavy heart that the Arlington Heights race track is closing its doors for good this year. The gambling industry has been to blame for the closure, as racing has been declining in recent years due to betting issues.
There was once an iconic venue known as the Arlington Heights race track- but it’s time to say goodbye. Fireworks will be used as a way to end the eventful year – and they’ll look amazing doing so.
Is Arlington Park in Illinois closing?
Arlington Park is closing in late 2022 or early 2023 according to reports. The Bears acquired the track and it’s expected to close for a million dollars spent on it.
It’s a race track with horse racing events, which have been discontinued recently, meaning there will be no more races taking place at the park. Million was spent on the establishment when it first opened in 1997 and due to declining attendance rates over time, closure seems like an inevitable outcome .
Who bought Arlington Heights racetrack?
. Arlington Heights racetrack was originally built in 1907 and has been used for racing since then. In 1969, it was bought by the Dallas-Fort Worth Motor Speedway Foundation.
It remained under their ownership until 2006, when it was sold to a group of investors led by Shaun Carney.
Arlington Heights Racetrack is Sold to the Chicago Bears
On October 5, 2017, Arlington Heights racetrack was sold to the Chicago Bears for $197.2 million.
This racecourse has been in operation since 1871 and currently operates on an annual basis. It has a total land area of 326 acres and was bought by the Bears for its potential redevelopment opportunities.
The Property Contains 326 Acres and Was Bought for $197.2 Million
The acquisition price of the track was significantly higher than what it had been valued at just a year ago when it went up for sale in 2016 via public auction after being placed under bankruptcy protection due to unpaid debtors and lawsuits from investors . In that auction, bids came in at around $130 million but ultimately failed to meet the asking price set by creditors who were owed millions of dollars by owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s company Racing Associates International Incorporated (RAI).
It Has Been Running Since 1871
Arlington Heights racetrack first operated back in 1871 which makes it one of America’s longest running tracks still operational today. Additionally, this property has hosted numerous prestigious events such as horse races, automobile races, circuses, polo matches etc., making it one well-known venue across Illinois state borders even today.
Why are the Bears leaving Soldier Field?
There are a few possible reasons why the Bears might be leaving Soldier Field. Perhaps they’re losing too many games, or their stadium isn’t up to NFL standards.
Or maybe they just don’t have the money to keep playing there anymore. Whatever the reason, it’s sad to see them go.
Bears Reject Renovations Proposal
The Chicago Bears have rejected a proposal from the city of Chicago to renovate Soldier Field in order to keep the team there.
The stadium is over 40 years old and needs upgrades, but funding is not available. Moving would be too expensive and it would also disrupt the team’s fan base.
Location Is a Major Issue for the Bears
Chicago wants to keep the Bears at Soldier Field because of its location – it is one of only two stadiums in Illinois and is close to several major tourist attractions.
However, if they were to move, that could potentially hurt their attendance numbers.
The Stadium Needs Upgrades but Funding Is Not Available
Soldier Field has been described as “a disgrace” by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and needs extensive renovations if it wants to remain an NFL venue. However, due to budget constraints, these repairs are not currently possible – something which frustrates both Emanuel and the Bears organization alike.
Are the Chicago Bears moving to Arlington Heights?
There’s been talk of the Chicago Bears moving to Arlington Heights, but there is no confirmation yet. If this does happen, it would be a big change for the team and their fans.
- The Chicago Bears are moving to Arlington Heights in 2021. This would make them the largest NFL franchise ever owned by a group, and it would also be their new home stadium.
- The Soldier Field lease runs out in 2033, so the Bears will need to find another place to play football after that point. They have reached an agreement with Churchill Downs to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse site in the fall of 2021.
- The site is located in Arlington Heights, IL which is about 25 miles from downtown Chicago. It would make them one of the biggest employers in town and give them plenty of space for their fans.
- The Bears are projected to bring more than 1 million people into Arlington Heights each year as a result of this deal – making it one of Illinois’ most important economic successes.
- This news marks a big victory for both the city of Arlington Heights and Illinois as a whole – Congratulations Chicago Bear’s fans.
What’s happening with Arlington race track?
Arlington Race Track is currently under evaluation by the Bears, and if the deal goes through it will cost $197 million. The site has been around for over 100 years, but there have been discussions about whether or not to keep race track open year-round.
It’s unknown when the deal might close, but it seems like a very exciting possibility nonetheless.
To Recap
The Arlington Race Track is not closing, but there have been reports of it being sold. Until the sale is finalized and announced by the new owner, no one can say for sure what will happen to the track.
It’s possible that it could be demolished or renovated into something different.
