Arlington Opening Day
 

So I've been lurking here for a while and seem to remember some threads about IL locals and Arlington. Are there any other IL/Chicago-area locals here?

Obviously with Oaks/Derby there are more important handicapping things going on but I'll be at AP today for another opening day.

The IL racing situation is what it is and has been like this for years now. I think AP is doing what they need to do seeing they attract pretty good crowds of families in the summer that likely don't care about the racing product.

I just wonder even with all the gate/concessions money how long they can sustain being viable. Their handle just keeps going down and down and wondering if going back to dirt would help with that a bit as so many refuse to play the poly.

I was assuming they would card something a little better tomorrow seeing as they are charging $18 for Derby day admission but somehow today's card is actually the better one. :confused:

I guess I just wanted to commiserate with some other IL locals as I find it sad I think the industry here is kind of in a death spiral they're not going to get out of.

Hi Hap

Been out of the area for about 10 years now- but
$18?!?

I think I used to be upset when they were charging $5 or $7 on their 'special' days- Derby + Million

Seems a bit steep for watching the race on the infield board anyway; do they still have 'party in the park' where 15 Friday's gets you a free pass in for the following year?

thanks
Ron

I'm not an Illinois resident, but I have always been fond of Illinois racing, Balmoral, Hawthorne, and I remember when I first turned 18 back in 2003, my first betting winner was at Arlington. I remember how solid the quality of racing was, now that I don't follow it as much, (did not even know they started up again) Pretty sad that the product has dropped down this much. Thanks for bringing it up though, I might have to drop a few pick 3's down this weekend. GL

I don't think I've played that track since Earlie Fires was lulling fields to sleep on the front end!

:o

Yeah, their premium days like the Derby, Mother's Day, Father's Day are $18 GA. Million is now $30 for GA only.

They have had to basically change to be more of an entertainment destination to attract younger families and college kids looking to party rather than focus on the racing. The product is so bad on the track there's really no choice.

They do still do "Party in the Park" but there is no loyalty type card. They just have bands and discounted drinks.

This is a nice addition for this year.

$10 at the door when they know full well most people won't buy tickets online.

death by 1,000 cuts

-bt-

I'd say a good 80% of their GA customers are under 50 which is rare for a race track. Most of these people can figure out how to buy a ticket online.

It's really not that hard. Go online and buy the ticket and use your phone or print it out at home if you are really that hopeless.