Arlington opens season with new name

When the dust settles on the opening day races today, will you remember the Arlington Heights-based track as Arlington International Racecourse or Arlington Park?

The track has switched between the names at least twice over the years and quietly went back to Arlington International Racecourse during the off season, mostly to highlight its global reach, General Manager Tony Petrillo said in a statement.

“While we realize that many in Chicagoland will always refer to us as Arlington, for branding purposes and to maintain the image of being ‘world class,’ the decision was made to be known as Arlington International Racecourse,” Petrillo said.

The track’s website will remain arlingtonpark.com, but that could change at some point in the future.

The track debuted in 1927 as Arlington Park. After a major 1985 fire and rebuilding, the venue reopened as Arlington International Racecourse in 1989. By 2000, the track merged with Churchill Downs Inc., and the name reverted to Arlington Park in 2001.

“Arlington has built its reputation on being a ‘world class’ entertainment venue featuring ‘world class’ racing,” Petrillo said. “The International Festival of Racing featuring the Arlington Million ... brings in horses, owners, trainers, jockeys and fans from all over the world.”