ARLINGTON AWAITING APPROVAL ON SPECTATORS
A revised plan submitted by Arlington International Racecourse to allow a limited number of spectators into the outdoor areas of the facility on race days, is awaiting final approval by the Arlington Heights Department of Health and Human Services, the Cook County Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Arlington International Racecourse President, Tony Petrillo, is hopeful that the track’s final plan will be approved very soon as its plan for spectators outdoors exceeds the safety guidelines and updated regulations that phase 4 re-opening requires. “We understand the intricacies of executing a COVID-19 safety plan for spectators and workers. We have demonstrated that we can safely conduct business under strict protocols in our backstretch and at our Trackside facilities and feel we will be able to conduct business just as safely for spectators at our expansive outdoor grandstand facility.”
If approved, a day at the races will be different than years past, as the plan calls for stringent policies and restrictions that will ensure everyone’s safety. All tickets must be pre-purchased tickets online and children seventeen and under will not be permitted access to the facility. All guests must wear a mask at all times unless they are consuming food or beverage in their seat. Staggered entry and arrival times will be issued to each set of ticket holders to limit queuing lines and to assist patrons in maintaining social distancing as they enter the facility.
In the meantime, Arlington is conducting live racing without spectators Thursday-Saturday now through September 26. Racing fans are encouraged to visit a Trackside Off Track Betting location (Arlington, Aurora, Chicago, Green Oaks, Hodgkins, Hoffman Estates, Rockford, Villa Park) for a socially distanced wagering experience or to wager online on Twinspires.com.
All inquiries in regards to tickets, seating options, and pricing will only be available on Arlington’s website – www.arlingtonpark.com.
