Racing, Music & Fireworks July 3; Tickets on Sale April 1

The calendar may say February and there's still a chill in the air, but it's not too soon to mark the calendar for Arlington Park's July 3 "Racing, Music and Fireworks" spectacular. The day's festivities will feature the longest and largest fireworks display not only in the Chicagoland area, but also in Arlington Park's storied history.

The day's racing starts at a special twilight post time of 4 p.m. and the racing action - which features the Grade III $150,000 Chicago Handicap - will run nearly seamlessly into a spectacular fireworks display that gets underway at nightfall. In addition, there will be live music on two stages and plenty of activities the entire family can enjoy.

The fireworks display, which will run more than 30 minutes, will be synchronized to a mixture of patriotic and popular music, and will encompass the entire infield area of the racecourse.

"With the City of Chicago's decision to rework their fireworks program that weekend, we see this as an opportunity to stake claim as the hosting the best and largest fireworks display in the Chicagoland area," said Arlington Park President Roy Arnold. "There will not be a better value in the area that will combine the heart-pounding excitement of Thoroughbred horse racing during the day and a jaw-dropping fireworks show at night."

As a crowd of more than 30,000 is expected to view the fireworks, purchasing tickets online and in advance is strongly encouraged so guests may ensure that they will have a reserved seat for this spectacular event and by doing so save $2 over the price at the gate on July 3. General admission for July 3 will be $8 if purchased in advance online but $10 at the gate, while admission with reserved seating ranges in price from $10-$18 online in advance, and if still available July 3 these packages will cost $12-$20 at the gate.

For the first time ever, guests in Arlington's Million Room restaurant and in the Sky Suites will have a special reserved seating area trackside so they can enjoy the races in style and then have a reserved seat with a full view of the fireworks display.

In addition, families and businesses looking to hold a holiday celebration at Arlington Park can choose from a number of Group Sales venues ranging from reserved grandstand seats or executive box seats to a more upscale event in the track's International Room, Million Room or Sky Suites, or guests can purchase an all-inclusive package in our Marquee Tents located on the track apron with a full view of the fireworks display. For complete package details or for more information, guests should contact the Arlington Park sales staff at 847-385-7550.

Getting to Arlington Park is easy as the racecourse is located just off Illinois Route 53 at Euclid Avenue and is accessible from I-294 as well as I-90, plus there is a Metra rail stop located adjacent to the racetrack's parking lot.