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Racing began at Arlington Park in October of 1927 and continued throughout the golden years of thoroughbred racing in America. In 1981 Arlington was host for the first $1,00,000 race in US history. In July 1985 Arlington suffered a devastating loss when a raging early morning fire destroyed the entire grandstand. The Arlington Million was run several weeks later with temporary seating and tents. A new track was planned and a sparkling facility described as the most beautiful track in the country rose from the ashes in June 1989. A sprawling 325 acre grounds, Arlington Park features two different racing surfaces and several restaurants. The racetrack hosts parties in the park Fridays with live music between races provided by local bands and post-race concerts. Dining options range from super casual to upscale, including grabbing a hot dog or pizza at the food court, to a sit-down alfresco lunch at Paddock Pub or the upscale white tablecloth track-side Million Room, which has a dress code and a menu featuring food by the Levy Restaurant Group. Arlington was the first racetrack I ever visited when I was a teenager. My brother worked there one summer so the personal connection for me is strong and I am fortunate to live only 25 minutes away. It is a summer excursion I look forward to each year and I hope you enjoy the images from there that I will post. This is the backside of the main building overlooking the paddock area and saddling enclosure.