By: Veronica Linares

 Arlington Park first opened on October 13 th  It is located on 2200 W. Euclid, Arlington Heights, IL.  Arlington played host to the worlds first million dollar race.  On July 31 st 1985 a small fire eventually raged out of control and spread throughout the grand stand completely destroying the facility.  Working around the clock the crews managed to clean up the area and put temporary tents and bleachers to not let the races come to an end.

 Construction of the new six-story Grandstand began in September 1987 and was completed in a record 19 months. Arlington re-opened on June 28, 1989, with a new name and a new concept in Thoroughbred racing. Arlington International Racecourse dedicated itself to the concept of family entertainment. During the ensuing years, it has created a new generation of racing fans with an aggressive marketing program and an overriding emphasis on guest satisfaction and service.

 Chairman Richard L. Duchossois has been the guiding force for Arlington Park since 1983, when he headed a group that purchased the track from Madison Square Garden Corporation.In addition, he is the founder and owner, with his four children, of the Elmhurst, IL., -based Duchossois Industries, Inc., which operates or owns major stakes in a diversified group of businesses involving consumer products, entertainment and venture capital.

 Sr. Vice President of Racing William Thayer has been with Arlington since Thayer began a four-year association with Arlington in 1964, serving as racing secretary and steward before taking over as assistant executive director for the Balmoral Jockey Club. He later became director of racing and administrative assistant to the Balmoral president, a position he held before again serving as steward for the combined Arlington-Washington and Chicago Tribune Charities meetings.

 Senior Days  Million Room Special  Miller Lite Party In the Park  Saturday Food Special  Miller Lite Taste of Summer  Brunch and Food Specials  Family Day  And Holiday Weekends

 Arlington Park, promotes many special events to get people in the door. They feed off of holidays and special events that people enjoy and care for, and they use it to their benefit. It is their competitive advantage, and not only that but they work closely with other organizations to get their customers not only better deals, but complete packages so that they feel like they have everything at the palm of their hands.

 Brookfield Zoo  Chicago Fire Soccer  Dupage Children’s Museum  Shaumburg Flyers  LEGOLAND  Vienna Beef  PEPSI

 Season Pass  One preferred parking pass  Four single use guest passes  Monthly Specials  Invitations to members only Events  Members only Seating areas  ALL FOR JUST $ (For a family of 4)

 The Million Room  The Paddock Pub  Terrace Café  Cobey’s Food Court  Hearth Bar  Silks Lounge  The Park  The Sports Bar

 MEN: Sport Coat, Slacks, and Collared Shirt  Women: Conservative dresses, Skirts and blouses or pantsuits.  NO:  jeans Shorts T-shirts Halter tops Athletic shoes or Abbreviated clothing

 Wedding receptions  Holiday parties  Fundraising galas  Corporate Celebrations or  Fashionable parties  Special Events packages have everything you need for a stunning event with exceptional menu selections and dazzling rooms.

 Governers room  Arlington Park Suites  Marquee Tents  International Room  Million Room Platform  Miller Lite Party Deck  Box Seats  Park Pavillion  Meeting Rooms

 No Balloons  All coolers and bags will be inspected  No glass containers  No alcohol  No commercially packaged foods  No poles or sticks  No Balls  No Frisbees  No tents  No canopies etc.

 If you were the owner of the Arlington Park owner, how would you promote special events such as wedding receptions, and corporate meetings?  Do you think that the racing industry will continue to grow or will other sports and entertainment take over?  Would this segment of the industry be of interest to you? If so why or why not?