Arlington Race Track was a major horse racing facility located in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It was one of the most famous race tracks in the United States, and was home to many of the world’s greatest horse races. The track opened in 1927 and was in operation until 1997, when it was permanently closed due to financial difficulties. The closure of the track has left many people wondering, is Arlington Race Track permanently closed?
History of Arlington Race Track
Arlington Race Track first opened its doors in 1927 and is located about 25 miles northwest of Chicago. It was owned by the Chicago Tribune Company and operated by the Arlington Park Race Track Association. The track was originally built as a one-mile dirt oval and was the first race track in the United States to host a million dollar race, the Arlington Million. Over the years, Arlington Race Track hosted the Breeders’ Cup, the American Derby, the Arlington Million, and the Arlington-Washington Futurity.
Reasons Behind the Closure
In 1997, due to financial difficulties, the Chicago Tribune Company decided to sell the track and it was purchased by Churchill Downs Incorporated. However, the track was unable to generate enough revenue to stay afloat and was permanently closed in 1997. There were many reasons for the closure of the track, including competition from neighboring race tracks and the increasing costs of operating such a large facility.
Effects of the Closure
The closure of the track had a major impact on the horse racing industry in the United States. The track was a major source of income for many of the local horse owners and trainers, and the closure of the track meant that many of them were out of work. Additionally, the closure of the track had an effect on the local economy, as it was a major source of revenue for the city of Arlington Heights.
Plans to Reopen the Track
Since the closure of the track, there have been many attempts to reopen it. In 2010, a group of investors announced plans to purchase the track and reopen it as a horse racing facility. However, the plans fell through due to the high cost of renovating the track and the surrounding area.
Alternative Uses for the Track
Since the closure of the track, the owners have explored other uses for the land. In 2011, plans were announced to turn the track into a multi-use development, including retail stores, restaurants, and a hotel. The plans met with opposition from the local community, who were concerned about the impact the development would have on the surrounding area.
The Future of Arlington Race Track
Despite the closure of the track, there is still hope for its future. In 2017, a new group of investors announced plans to purchase the track and turn it into an entertainment and sports complex. The plans include a race track, a concert venue, and a sports complex with soccer, baseball, and basketball fields.
Conclusion
The closure of Arlington Race Track has had a major impact on the horse racing industry in the United States. The track was a major source of income for many of the local horse owners and trainers, and the closure of the track meant that many of them were out of work. Despite the closure of the track, there is still hope for its future, as plans are being made to turn it into a multi-use development.
FAQs
Q. Is Arlington Race Track permanently closed?
A. Yes, Arlington Race Track is permanently closed.
Q. What are the plans for the track?
A. The current plans for the track include a race track, a concert venue, and a sports complex with soccer, baseball, and basketball fields.
Q. What were the reasons for the closure of the track?
A. The closure of the track was due to financial difficulties, competition from neighboring race tracks, and the increasing costs of operating such a large facility.
Q. What was the impact of the closure on the local economy?
A. The closure of the track had a major impact on the local economy, as it was a major source of revenue for the city of Arlington Heights.