OT: Arlington Park to be sold for redevelopment

[ClownBaby]

After being around for 94 years it appears that this will be the last year for Arlington Park. This is a sad day for Chicago sports, I loved going there as a kid and still do love taking my family there in the summer and having the kids go down for horse parade in the paddocks. Churchill Downs says they are looking for other locations to move the racing license to but I won't believe that until it happens.

Churchill Downs Inc. to Sell Arlington International

One of North America's top racing venues may soon be no more as Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Feb. 23 that it has launched a process to sell Arlington International Racecourse.

www.bloodhorse.com

 

[greatgig13]

What a shame. Hopefully it won’t be home for another Costco or Walmart.

 

[ClownBaby]

What a shame. Hopefully it won’t be home for another Costco or Walmart.

I guessing both with an Amazon distribution center thrown in.

 

[crusader_of_90]

Amazon has a Palatine distribution next to Northrup Gruman 1 mile west on NW HWY ... not likely.

Besides, Mr. D. always threatens to sell ... his thing is gaming commission leverage.

 

[ClownBaby]

Amazon has a Palatine distribution next to Northrup Gruman 1 mile west on NW HWY ... not likely.

Besides, Mr. D. always threatens to sell ... his thing is gaming commission leverage.

Mr. D already sold it and Churchill Downs doesn't care about gaming leverage since they already own Rivers Casino down the road so they have no interest in building another Casino to compete with the one that they are currently expanding.

 

[crusader_of_90]

He still is an investor in CD ... and that's his personal shrine.

I could be wrong but I don't see that getting town down.

 

[greatgig13]

He still is an investor in CD ... and that's his personal shrine.

I could be wrong but I don't see that getting town down.

We’re living in an increasingly woke world right now. Won’t be long before horse racing is deemed unethical and cruel.

 

[epicbret]

Sad, but it's for the best

 

[Bowie50]

I guessing both with an Amazon distribution center thrown in.

We just got one.

 

[ramblinman]

It's a 326-acre parcel of land in Arlington Heights with a Metra stop inside of it. Redevelopment opportunities like that are once in a lifetime in a suburb like Arlington Heights.

If they are smart and forward thinking, the village already has contingency redevelopment plans in outline form that they should dust off and start to flesh out. It's what Glenview did even before the 600-acre naval air station was closed 25 years ago. In that case, the village was the developer because the land was given to them by the Navy. In the case of AP, Arlington Heights, through its zoning ordinances, will have a big say in how this land gets developed even though they won't be the developer.

 

[stripes13]

Very sad day. I vividly remember my dad buying me books of word searches and mazes that I would do while he was looking through the race guide. It was normally after the 5th race (and 10th beer) that he’d throw his hands up and say, “you pick this one. You couldn’t do any f’ing worse than I’ve done.”

Then I’d get a happy meal.

 

[redmen85]

Very sad day. I vividly remember my dad buying me books of word searches and mazes that I would do while he was looking through the race guide. It was normally after the 5th race (and 10th beer) that he’d throw his hands up and say, “you pick this one. You couldn’t do any f’ing worse than I’ve done.”

Then I’d get a happy meal.

That's a good story. Sounds like you didn't inherit the gambling gene, as you referred to the Racing Form as the guide! Good stuff

 

[stripes13]

That's a good story. Sounds like you didn't inherit the gambling gene, as you referred to the Racing Form as the guide! Good stuff

Actually, I blanked on the word for some reason and I went with guide. Obviously, two different meanings there.

He passed away a few years ago, so on his birthday I’ll go to the local OTB, drink some of his favorite beverages and play 5 or so races.

 

[redmen85]

You’re a good man
Cheers!

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

Just sayin but a multi-purpose dome would sure look good there. Again, just sayin

 

[stripes13]

Just sayin but a multi-purpose dome would sure look good there. Again, just sayin

I know what you’re getting at, but one of the biggest appeals of a Bears game is the lakefront.

 

[epicbret]

I know what you’re getting at, but one of the biggest appeals of a Bears game is the lakefront.

Eh, maybe For tourists. I see it as I drive up, drive out. Rest of the time I am staring at bad football.

 

[PowerI66]

Amazon has a Palatine distribution next to Northrup Gruman 1 mile west on NW HWY ... not likely.

Besides, Mr. D. always threatens to sell ... his thing is gaming commission leverage.

Fun Amazon DC fact. Most DC's take about 10 years to recoup the investment. Amazon's DC's take less than a year and turn a profit by year's end. That's why you see/hear about so many.

 

[crusader_of_90]

Kevin McC already has a lot of property in AH - maybe he gets grandma to move to the burbs. And if you see a black Range Rover with NFL on the plates ... that's Kevin.

 

[mc140]

I know what you’re getting at, but one of the biggest appeals of a Bears game is the lakefront.

That stadium is a dump. I would attend its implosion if the Bears ever move away.

 

[greatgig13]

That stadium is a dump. I would attend its implosion if the Bears ever move away.

You don’t like the silver commode on Roman columns look?

 

[LTHSALUM76]

That stadium is a dump. I would attend its implosion if the Bears ever move away.

I don't think I ever liked the Bears playing at Soldier Field. No. Let me re-state that. I never liked the Bears playing at Soldier Field. But, I'd rather them play in the city than Arlington Heights. I mean, if they eventually play in AH, what will the blimp give us shots of? 290, 90, Oak Brook, O'Hare, the old, closed, Fuddruckers in Arlington Heights? What?

 

[godfthr53]

I know what you’re getting at, but one of the biggest appeals of a Bears game is the lakefront.

for who? As a season ticket holder I think I'd much rather drive somewhere else. I would imagine that the value of the team would go up a lot if they owned their own stadium.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

Other than the United Center, the venues for professional sports in this city are way behind the high levels in so many other cities.

our football facility is far and away the worst in the NFL and in many cases is far behind what many colleges have.

for one of the legacy franchises in the NFL to play in a below sub-standard stadium is just an embarrassment.

Before anyone asks I am a season ticket holder and I sit in the United Club - even that area is well below what many major cities offer.

the bears would be foolish to not look at the Arlington Park area. They could turn it into a major sports and entertainment area if they do it right. That’s a big IF.

 

[godfthr53]

Other than the United Center, the venues for professional sports in this city are way behind the high levels in so many other cities.

our football facility is far and away the worst in the NFL and in many cases is far behind what many colleges have.

for one of the legacy franchises in the NFL to play in a below sub-standard stadium is just an embarrassment.

Before anyone asks I am a season ticket holder and I sit in the United Club - even that area is well below what many major cities offer.

the bears would be foolish to not look at the Arlington Park area. They could turn it into a major sports and entertainment area if they do it right. That’s a big IF.

I'd welcome it for sure. however what happens to PSLs if they move ? They become worthless and you need to repurchase?

 

[ClownBaby]

Other than the United Center, the venues for professional sports in this city are way behind the high levels in so many other cities.

our football facility is far and away the worst in the NFL and in many cases is far behind what many colleges have.

for one of the legacy franchises in the NFL to play in a below sub-standard stadium is just an embarrassment.

Before anyone asks I am a season ticket holder and I sit in the United Club - even that area is well below what many major cities offer.

the bears would be foolish to not look at the Arlington Park area. They could turn it into a major sports and entertainment area if they do it right. That’s a big IF.

100% agree but we all know the McCaskeys are to cheap to spend the money. Around the same time Soldier Field was redone Heinz Field was built in Pittsburgh for $50 million less the difference between the stadiums is embarrassing.

 

[greatgig13]

Other than the United Center, the venues for professional sports in this city are way behind the high levels in so many other cities.

our football facility is far and away the worst in the NFL and in many cases is far behind what many colleges have.

for one of the legacy franchises in the NFL to play in a below sub-standard stadium is just an embarrassment.

Before anyone asks I am a season ticket holder and I sit in the United Club - even that area is well below what many major cities offer.

the bears would be foolish to not look at the Arlington Park area. They could turn it into a major sports and entertainment area if they do it right. That’s a big IF.

I’d hope there would be better access to that location than 53 and Northwest Highway if that were entertained.

 

[eireog]

The domed facility could host Final Four’s, Super Bowls, College Football games, concerts, conventions. The McCaskeys could build hotels, restaurants, get all the parking revenues, rental fees. I’m sure Arlington Heights would help with infrastructure and tax incentives. I think they (The McCaskey’s) would make a fortune and bring the value of the franchise to a level to rival the Cowboys and Yankees.

 

[eireog]

No doubt that would be done and probably paid for by AH and possibly the state for the tax revenue the stadium would create.

 

[crusader_of_90]

I’d hope there would be better access to that location than 53 and Northwest Highway if that were entertained.

Euclid too ... but there would need to be some major changes and traffic flow would be best coming in at Euclid as they can cut into the jockey's quarters more easily than messing around by the Metra side of the track.

 

[ramblinman]

Other than the United Center, the venues for professional sports in this city are way behind the high levels in so many other cities.

our football facility is far and away the worst in the NFL and in many cases is far behind what many colleges have.

for one of the legacy franchises in the NFL to play in a below sub-standard stadium is just an embarrassment.

Before anyone asks I am a season ticket holder and I sit in the United Club - even that area is well below what many major cities offer.

the bears would be foolish to not look at the Arlington Park area. They could turn it into a major sports and entertainment area if they do it right. That’s a big IF.

I agree with your opinions about our professional sports venues. I even agree that the land would be perfect for what you are suggesting. Although, at roughly 30 miles northwest of Soldier Field, I wonder how far away from the far corners of the metro area such a facility would have to be before it would be considered too far. A sports venue at the intersection of Northwest HWY and 53 would be great if you live in Crystal Lake or Woodstock, and not so great if you live in Lansing or Munster.

Perhaps this is all a moot point if the residents of Arlington Heights don't want a major sports and entertainment zone in their community. Perhaps they have other ideas for how they would like to see the land developed. If the Bears are interested, great, but that doesn't mean that the village is going to rubber stamp whatever the Bears have in mind.

 

[atrain97]

100% agree but we all know the McCaskeys are to cheap to spend the money. Around the same time Soldier Field was redone Heinz Field was built in Pittsburgh for $50 million less the difference between the stadiums is embarrassing.

The McCaskey's don't have the money. The family's net worth is all tied to the ownership of the Bears. The problem they have always had is cash flow, because their wealth doesn't come from any secondary sources.
And for years, they also had the worse stadium deal in the NFL, its better now, but still lags behind most other teams.

 

[epicbret]

That stadium is a dump. I would attend its implosion if the Bears ever move away.

My grandpa got rid of his season tickets [since they moved to SF] because he got so sick of the stadium. "Would be best served as fish structure in the lake" was his take.

 

[stripes13]

for who?

The McCaskeys.

I’m not looking to argue here. I’m just saying there are a lot more reasons why they wouldn’t build a new stadium than for them doing it.

 

[godfthr53]

The domed facility could host Final Four’s, Super Bowls, College Football games, concerts, conventions. The McCaskeys could build hotels, restaurants, get all the parking revenues, rental fees. I’m sure Arlington Heights would help with infrastructure and tax incentives. I think they (The McCaskey’s) would make a fortune and bring the value of the franchise to a level to rival the Cowboys and Yankees.

The IHSA State Championships!

 

[ramblinman]

The domed facility could host Final Four’s, Super Bowls, College Football games, concerts, conventions. The McCaskeys could build hotels, restaurants, get all the parking revenues, rental fees. I’m sure Arlington Heights would help with infrastructure and tax incentives. I think they (The McCaskey’s) would make a fortune and bring the value of the franchise to a level to rival the Cowboys and Yankees.

Love the enthusiasm. I'm not so sure if the fair citizens of Arlington Heights would share it.

Also, the more I think of it, the more I think the location is not ideal.

First of all, any new stadium is going to have far more seating capacity than SF. That's a given. SF has the smallest capacity of any NFL stadium.

Can the Bears fill a 75K- 80K stadium located so far away from the city's rail, rapid transit, bus, and highway transportation hub? Arlington Heights is not Niles or Rosemont or Park Ridge in terms of proximity to the city. Yes, there is a Metra line that runs right through it and decent highways in IL 53 and I-90, but that's it relative to getting there. Forget Pace buses out that way; they're a non-player. In another post, I mentioned that residents out in the far northwest suburbs would find it easy to get to the AH location. But, what would it be like to get there from the southside or from suburbs like Lansing, Hammond, Crete, etc.?

SF beats the proposed location hands down from the standpoints of distance from the far corners of the Chicago market and having a wide variety transportation options to get there. SF has a Metra line and the South Shore Line that have stations within walking distance. It is also within walking distance of the Roosevelt CTA L station serving three rapid transit lines. It also is served by several CTA bus routes, plus it is convenient to the Stevenson and to LSD. It is a short cab/uber ride from three other Metra terminals downtown. The Arlington Heights location being discussed pales in comparison.

Instead of the mixed use developments at Goose Island or that parcel of land on the east side of the river south of Roosevelt, why not build your new arena and entertainment complex there?

 

[greatgig13]

Love the enthusiasm. I'm not so sure if the fair citizens of Arlington Heights would share it.

Also, the more I think of it, the more I think the location is not ideal.

First of all, any new stadium is going to have far more seating capacity than SF. That's a given. SF has the smallest capacity of any NFL stadium.

Can the Bears fill a 75K- 80K stadium located so far away from the city's rail, rapid transit, bus, and highway transportation hub? Arlington Heights is not Niles or Rosemont or Park Ridge in terms of proximity to the city. Yes, there is a Metra line that runs right through it and decent highways in IL 53 and I-90, but that's it relative to getting there. Forget Pace buses out that way; they're a non-player. In another post, I mentioned that residents out in the far northwest suburbs would find it easy to get to the AH location. But, what would it be like to get there from the southside or from suburbs like Lansing, Hammond, Crete, etc.?

SF beats the proposed location hands down from the standpoints of distance from the far corners of the Chicago market and having a wide variety transportation options to get there. SF has a Metra line and the South Shore Line that have stations within walking distance. It is also within walking distance of the Roosevelt CTA L station serving three rapid transit lines. It also is served by several CTA bus routes, plus it is convenient to the Stevenson and to LSD. It is a short cab/uber ride from three other Metra terminals downtown. The Arlington Heights location being discussed pales in comparison.

Instead of the mixed use developments at Goose Island or that parcel of land on the east side of the river south of Roosevelt, why not build your new arena and entertainment complex there?

I think a new stadium would fit better in Peotone, next to the new airport.

 

[epicbret]

I think a new stadium would fit better in Peotone, next to the new airport.

As a kid growing up next to Midway I took such umbrage at an airport trying to usurp our territory. Honestly had no idea where Peotone was, but hated em. Then I reached Nazareth and we played them. They had some bowling ball running back, like 5-6 220, and I relished every head on collision with that meatball because he represented that dammed rival airport.

 

[eireog]

As a kid growing up next to Midway I took such umbrage at an airport trying to usurp our territory. Honestly had no idea where Peotone was, but hated em. Then I reached Nazareth and we played them. They had some bowling ball running back, like 5-6 220, and I relished every head on collision with that meatball because he represented that dammed rival airport.

.
Did this RB enjoy the occasional kugelis?

 

[eireog]

Love the enthusiasm. I'm not so sure if the fair citizens of Arlington Heights would share it.

Also, the more I think of it, the more I think the location is not ideal.

First of all, any new stadium is going to have far more seating capacity than SF. That's a given. SF has the smallest capacity of any NFL stadium.

Can the Bears fill a 75K- 80K stadium located so far away from the city's rail, rapid transit, bus, and highway transportation hub? Arlington Heights is not Niles or Rosemont or Park Ridge in terms of proximity to the city. Yes, there is a Metra line that runs right through it and decent highways in IL 53 and I-90, but that's it relative to getting there. Forget Pace buses out that way; they're a non-player. In another post, I mentioned that residents out in the far northwest suburbs would find it easy to get to the AH location. But, what would it be like to get there from the southside or from suburbs like Lansing, Hammond, Crete, etc.?

SF beats the proposed location hands down from the standpoints of distance from the far corners of the Chicago market and having a wide variety transportation options to get there. SF has a Metra line and the South Shore Line that have stations within walking distance. It is also within walking distance of the Roosevelt CTA L station serving three rapid transit lines. It also is served by several CTA bus routes, plus it is convenient to the Stevenson and to LSD. It is a short cab/uber ride from three other Metra terminals downtown. The Arlington Heights location being discussed pales in comparison.

Instead of the mixed use developments at Goose Island or that parcel of land on the east side of the river south of Roosevelt, why not build your new arena and entertainment complex there?

I don’t think the Bears would have a problem filling a 75-80k stadium. I’d imagine the residents of AH might like the tax break the stadium could deliver.

I don’t think the location hurts them at all. AT&T is a good 20-25 miles from Dallas. Bears fans will make the drive no matter where it is. I’m sure Metra/Pace would definitely run busses and trains express from regionally centered terminals.
Property in the city is going to cost a lot more to acquire than Arlington. The biggest reason for the Bears to do it is that they own it all(hotels, restaurants,parking, naming rights). The deal the Bears have at SF is horrible. The facility is horrible. This deal puts the value of the franchise near the top of all sports franchises. I think it’s a great opportunity for the McCaskeys and the Bears.