Tickets for Arlington Park's 'Summer of Fun' go on sale April 1

Tickets for Arlington Park's 'Summer of Fun' go on sale

April 1

Arlington Park has planned 89 days of pure entertainment for the whole

family in its 2013 season, featuring something for everyone -- from fireworks to concerts to wine tastings,

celebrity appearances and the chance to see some of the top Thoroughbreds from

around the world compete.

The centerpiece of this year's "Summer of Fun" at Arlington

is August 17 with the International Festival of Racing featuring the world

renowned Grade 1 Arlington Million.

"Arlington is a premier entertainment venue and entertaining our customers is

our mission," Arlington General Manager Tony Petrillo said. "We are proud to bring world class Thoroughbred racing to Chicagoland,

but we are also proud to offer a menu of fun for the whole family built around

our great racing. We suggest our customers go to

arlingtonpark.com to

check out our schedule and also purchase tickets early because of high demand."

This year's Fireworks Show -- Chicagoland's biggest and best

-- is set for July 4. Fans are urged to purchase tickets early as this

event is one most popular of the season.

Arlington will welcome back partners for special days celebrating the history

of the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox and Northwestern University and, in 2013, the track will play host to the Chicago

Cubs for the first "Chicago Cubs Day." All of these special events

give the fans of these organizations a chance to have autograph sessions with

sports stars and coaches as well as see trophies and memorabilia that are part

of the history of these storied organizations.

The "Summer of Fun" at Arlington begins on May 3

with an Opening Weekend Party kicking off the season with free general admission and a food and drink special.

On May 4, it's the "Run for the Roses" and Chicagoland's Biggest and Best

Kentucky Derby Party. There is a special 12:15 (CDT) post time for Arlington

races leading up the "most exciting two minutes in sports."

The time leading up to the Derby will be filled with Mint

Juleps, music, prizes and contests. It's a chance to party in the exclusive

"Derby Party Zone" where guests can walk the red carpet with fabulous food and

drink in one all-inclusive package.

There will also be a chance for a lucky customer to win with the "Grand Ultimate Derby Bet," which gives a fan a chance to make a $1,000

win bet on the Kentucky Derby.

Tickets go on sale on April 1 for the entire Arlington

International season, including all of Arlington's Big Event Days. Fans are

encouraged to go online for Big Event Days tickets early because of high demand.

Other big event days include Mother's Day on May

12 and Father's Day on June 16. Each of these popular days will feature

family-friendly events as well as special brunch packages being offered in the

Million Room and International Room for those looking for an upscale day at the

races. Reservations are required for the brunch events and can be made beginning

April 1 online or by calling 847-870-RACE.

The kick off to summer begins Memorial Day weekend, with

the start of the Miller Lite Party in the Park on Fridays, the Miller Lite

Saturday Summer Bash and Sunday Family Days.

Other entertainment highlights during the 2013 season include two Binny's Taste at the Track events (June 1 and September 7), and events for Guys Day

Out (July 20) and Girls Day Out (July 27).

The Arlington season begins May 3 and runs through

September 29, with racing four days a week. In May and June, the track will

operate on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as Monday, May 27, for

Memorial Day. Beginning July 1, the schedule will change to Thursday through

Sunday (plus Labor Day -- Monday, September 2) for the rest of the season.

General admission to Arlington International remains $8 for

adults most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with special $6 Value Day general

admission offered on Wednesdays in May and June and Thursdays from July 11

through the end of the season. General admission for children ages 4-17 will be

$2 every day.

In addition, the popular Seniors Day promotion returns for

the 2013 season. Each Wednesday in May and June and each Thursday from July 11

through the end if the meet, guests aged 55 and older can purchase general

admission for just $4. Members of the Military with Military-issued ID can also

enter the track for $4 on these dates.

General admission to Arlington International for Million

Day is $20. Additional upgrade options are available online.

General admission for Kentucky Derby Day, Mother's

Day and Father's Day is $12 and $15 for the "Racing, Music and Fireworks"

extravaganza on July 4. Packages combining general admission with a reserved

seat for each of these premium days range from $12-20, available online.

General admission to Arlington includes access to the

Paddock area for an up-close view to see the horses saddled prior to each race,

access to the Apron area along the rail for a thrilling view of the horses as

they thunder down the homestretch and access to the Park and picnic grove areas

where there will be a $5 charge for bringing in outside food and beverage.

"Arlington remains one of the few venues that allows its

customers to bring in coolers and outside food and beverage," Petrillo said. "In

our effort to keep Arlington a truly affordable entertainment value for the

entire family there is a small charge of only $5 for coolers and food and

beverage allowed to be carried in."

Those people looking to purchase tickets for multiple days

might wish to consider joining the Arlington Preferred Club or Arlington

Preferred Club Plus. For $50, the card holder would receive four complimentary

general admission tickets to Arlington (excluding premium days), two children's

passes, two daily racing guides plus two coupons good for 25 percent off a single item

in the gift shop and 50 percent off whenever they make a Canopy Table reservation

(excluding premium days).

Arlington Preferred Club plus members get a season-long

general admission pass, eight children admission passes, early entry into

Arlington (11 a.m.), 10 percent off a "Day at the races" group event, the gift shop

discount and Canopy Table discounted reservation as above plus a 60-quart cooler

on wheels that measures 20" x 18.5" x 20.69" which can be used to bring in

allowed outside food and beverage without incurring the $5 fee.

The cooler alone can be purchased for $80 by e-mailing

membershipservices@arlingtonpark.com for details.

Tickets for all 89 days of the 2013 season and memberships

for the Arlington Preferred Club and Preferred Club Plus go on sale on April 1.

For a complete rundown of admission prices, available packages and a complete

listing of Arlington events, please visit

arlingtonpark.com.

Arlington at a Glance

89 Days of Racing

(May 3-September 29)

Racing schedule

Post times

Key Event Days

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com