Arlington Park offers free admission on May 6
Arlington Park will celebrate the start of its new racing season with free admission to fans attending its May 6 “Open House” at the track.
All customers at May 6 will be admitted without charge and the first 5,000 fans will get a coupon good for hot dog and a draft beer, or a hot dog and a soft drink for a just a penny.
“This is our way of saying ‘Welcome Back!’ and a way of getting reacquainted with the greatest horse racing fans in the world,” said Arlington Park general manager Tony Petrillo. “We hope everyone will come out for the first day of what promises to be an exciting season loaded with great racing and great entertainment for the entire family.”
Gates will open at 11:15 a.m. for the Opening Day card that starts 3 p.m. In addition to live racing, Arlington Park will offer simulcast wagering on the Grade I Kentucky Oaks from Churchill Downs as well as advance wagering on the following day’s Grade I Kentucky Derby.
The opening weekend celebration continues Saturday, May 7, with Chicagoland’s largest Kentucky Derby party with a special post time of 12:15 p.m. The event will feature Mint Juleps, bands, prizes, and contests, including the “$1,000 Ultimate Derby Bet”, a chance for a person to win $1,000 to bet on the Kentucky Derby.
New for “Derby Day” this year is the exclusive “Arlington Derby Day Zone,” in which customers will walk the red carpet and enjoy food and drink in one all inclusive package.
For Sunday, May 8, the Mother’s Day tradition at the races continues and the first 5,000 ladies through the gates will receive a free rose. Gates will open at 11:15 a.m. and Mother’s Day post time is 1 p.m. There will be an opportunity to get a free family photo taken by the track’s roaming photographers, along with pony rides and a petting zoo in the park area.
The Mother’s Day Brunch package in the Million Room is sold out, but there are still seats in the Governor’s Room and International Room for those looking for an upscale day at the races. For more details, call (847)-385-7410 or visit arlingtonpark.com.