Arlington University debuts on Memorial Day weekend

Arlington Park kicks into high gear for the Memorial Day holiday weekend

from May 24 through May 27 with special events every day as well as a trio of

graded stakes races to highlight the May 25 program.

On May 24, Arlington will

present the first Party in the Park of the season. The popular program runs

through Labor Day weekend and features a mixture of live bands, DJs and live

Thoroughbred racing. First race and first song are slated for 3 p.m. (CDT) with

music to be provided by a live DJ playing your favorite songs.

That same

afternoon, Arlington University ("AU") will be unveiled. Located in the Park

area, "AU" is a one-stop location where fans new and old alike can ask questions

and receive individual and small group interaction from the track's group of

experts -- the university "professors."

As part of Party in the Park, fans 18 and older will be able to play

Arlington International Bingo -- a fun and educational way to enjoy the races

with a chance to win great prizes.

Following on May 25, Arlington kicks off its $5.5 million stakes schedule

with a trio of Grade 3 events that each carry a $150,000 purse, the Arlington Classic

for three-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on the turf; the Arlington Matron for fillies

and mares at 1 1/8 miles over Polytrack; and the Hanshin Cup for older

horses at one mile on Polytrack.

That day will also mark the return of the Saturday Summer Bash featuring live music and great food

specials in the Park area. The May 25 headliner is popular local band

Bucket Number Six and the food special will be a $5 BBQ pork sandwich. First

race and first song will be at 1 p.m.

On May 26, Arlington will

bring a little bit of Wrigley Field here to present is first-ever Chicago Cubs

Day. The Cubs official trolley will be on-site and fans can register to

win a Meet and Greet with members of the Cubs Alumni (players to be determined)

or to win signed Cubs memorabilia. Arlington's jockeys and Cubs alumni

will lead the crowd in a special seventh-inning stretch (i.e., 7TH race) version of "Take Me

Out to the Ball Game."

May 26 will also be a Family Day, featuring a new and improved Junior Jockey Zone

with a petting zoo, a face painter, pony rides, a bounce house, a caricaturist,

a magician/juggler, plus events/exhibitions provided by Museum of Science and

Industry and Azoosment. All Family Day activities run from 1 p.m. until 5

p.m.

Arlington will be open for live

racing on Memorial Day Monday, May 27 and will offer free General Admission to

active military and veterans. There will be Family Day activities in the

Park and live music on the band stage provided by Hey Jimmy. First race

and first song on the holiday Monday will be at 1 p.m. and Family Day activities

will continue until 5 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to avoid the line

and buy tickets online at www.arlingtonpark.com.

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