Arlington Park Ready for Opening Day

There’s a buzz at Arlington Park; excitement for opening day at the famed racetrack can be felt in the air around it. 

Horses are arriving from around the country, the track is being laid out and prepped and staff is busy getting final details ironed out.

Arlington Park Racetrack’s 2013 season begins on Friday, May 3. Admission is free. The Park, 2200 Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, opens at 1 p.m. with the first race set to start at 3 p.m.

“It’s always exciting around here. You can feel the excitement with each day as it (opening day) gets closer,” said David Zenner, senior manager of communications. “We are very, very excited and looking forward to a great season.”

Planning for the new season began even before the 2012 season ended last fall, Zenner said. Arlington Park is a year-round operation with a sports bar, off track betting, weddings and expos.

Arlington Park has been part of the Chicago sports scene since 1927 when a group of investors incorporated as the American National Jockey Club broke ground on 1,001 acres in Arlington Heights.

The track opened in the following year and was called “America’s most beautiful race course” by the Chicago Tribune, according to a Park press release.

A 1985 fire destroyed the facility but was rebuilt and has remained world-renowned. Every August, Arlington hosts the Arlington Million, which was inaugurated in 1981 as the world’s first million-dollar horse race.  This year’s Million is schedule for Saturday, August 17.

Opening day weekend includes Fan Appreciation Day on Friday. Guests can get one hot dog and a choice of beer or soda for 50 cents with a coupon. The coupon will be given to the first 4,000 people who enter the gates.

Kentucky Derby Day is Saturday, May 4 with live racing and a simulcast viewing of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs. Admission is $12, children 17 and under are $2. Gates open at 10:45 a.m. and the first race is 12:15 p.m.

Arlington Park’s annual Derby Hat Contest will also be on Saturday, after the third race. Guests are encouraged to get fancy, creative and fun with their hat choice and enter for a chance to win some amazing prizes. Also, one lucky guest will be chosen to make the ULTIMATE BET - $1,000 to make a win bet on the 139th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Families can enjoy the Derby Party Zone in the Marquee Tents. The Derby Party Zone ticket includes an all-inclusive drink and food package, a live DJ, commemorative Kentucky Derby Mint Julep glass, and a Daily Racing Guide. For tickets call 847-870-RACE (7223).