Arlington Park Opening Weekend April 29-May 2 Features Great Eevent Line-Up

Arlington Park kicks off its 83rd season on Thursday,  April 29. Arlington Park will host "Chicago's Largest Derby Party" as part of its opening weekend festivities April 29- May 2nd.

"Arlington Park's opening weekend begins on Thursday with a rich line-up of value entertainment options that lasts throughout the racing season," said Roy Arnold, president of Arlington Park.  "Not only does Arlington Park provide top level horse racing, it is also a beautiful place to come see great concerts, art shows, July 3rd fireworks or have a family picnic all for less than it would cost to go to a professional ball game or Six Flags Great America."

Opening Day - Thursday, April 29:
For the first time, Thursdays at Arlington Park, becomes "Value Day". Gates open at 11:15 a.m.  The first live Arlington Park race leaves the gate at 1:00 p.m. General admission costs $4 online and $6 at the gate while value combination packages including reserved seats range in cost from $6-$12.  In addition, every Thursday throughout the season is Seniors Day with $4 general admission (online and at the gate) for all guests 55 and older.

Friday, April 30: 
Gates open at 11:15 a.m. with racing from Churchill Downs including the simulcast of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks.  The first live Arlington Park race leaves the gate at 3:00 p.m. continuing every Friday during the season.  Advance wagering will also take place for the Kentucky Derby.  General admission costs $6 online and $8 at the gate while value combination packages including reserved seats range in cost from $8-$15.

Kentucky Derby Day - Saturday, May 1, 2010:
Arlington Park is the host for "Chicago's Largest Derby Party."  In addition to an exciting live racing program, Arlington Park will simulcast the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby presented by YUM! Brands from Churchill Downs.  Gates open at 9:30 a.m. as action gets underway with a strong undercard of races from Churchill, a special post time for Derby Day.  The first live Arlington Park race breaks from the gate at 12:15 p.m., with 12 live races at the track. General admission for "Chicago's Largest Derby Party" costs $8 on-line and $10 at the gate while value combination packages including reserved seats range in cost from $10-$20.

Other great Derby Day activities include:

• Live music on the Miller Lite Band Stage by Bopology.
• The first 2,500 people to purchase their ticket online will receive an official Kentucky Derby glass.
• Traditional Kentucky Derby themed beverages such as the Mint Julep.
• Entertainment, fun and games for the entire family in the Park area includes the chance for kids to make their own Derby Hat.
• Lunch packages available in the Million Room and International Room. Contact the Arlington Park reservations office at 847-385-7410 beginning April 1, 2010 for details.

For more information on Arlington Park's opening weekend, visit the track's website at www.arlingtonpark.com.