For nearly a century, The Arlington International Racecourse provided fans from all over with high thrill bets on horse racing until its official close on September 25th, 2021. The Racecourse’s history dates back to its opening in 1927, since hosting races such as the Arlington Million starting in 1981, which had a grand prize of $1,000,000, and had even undergone a fire in 1985, leading to the destruction of its clubhouse and grandstand of approximately 30,000 seats. Yet, the loud cries and ecstatic hollers of fans at every nail biter, clean sweep and total loss grew silent as the newly named Arlington Park soon became a symbol of what was and would never again be.

Recent developments in February of 2023 have led to the purchase of Arlington Park’s 326 acres of land for nearly $200 million by the Chicago Bears. Demolition began as early as May in hopes of converting the Park into the successor of the Bears’ current stadium, Soldier Field. Some sources maintain that the transformation will be one of the largest projects ever embarked on in the Midwest. Construction is expected to finish soon, though no date is finalized yet.

We are so accustomed to the place that the fact that it’s going to be gone is a shock. Passing by, you can see hanging pieces of ceiling and endless holes through its heart, the structure slowly being diminished by the day. Even though there will soon be nothing left, it is important to remember the good of it and what it had to offer. 

The race track has been a staple to many residents, and a place of coming together for many families. “I remember in the 60s when my grandparents would visit us, and my mom and dad would go to the racetrack to place bets, they were gamblers, it was just a very enjoyable thing back then to do, the place would be packed. My dad would go and he was the luckiest guy alive. My dad won so much money back then that he bought my mom a mink coat,” recollects Father Lydon.

A true symbol of Arlington Heights, the racetrack will never be forgotten.