Layoffs Announced At Arlington Park With Future Unclear: Report

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — It appears the writing on the wall might be in permanent marker. With the current spring/summer horse racing meet set to conclude in less than two months, employees at Arlington International Racecourse have begun receiving formal notices that they will be laid off in September, according to a report by Daily Herald.

In a memo from Arlington President Tony Petrillo to unionized employees, layoffs will be official on the last day of racing on Sept. 25. Employees will be permanently laid off within 14 days of that date, reports Daily Herald.

The layoff news comes as racetrack owner Churchill Downs Inc. continues to mull over bids to purchase the 326-acre property. Among the suitors announced publically to buy Arlington are the Chicago Bears, a horse racing conglomerate and several business entities.

A potential move to Arlington Heights by the Bears has created the most buzz. The team currently plays at Soldier Field, located in the Near South Side of Chicago.

Arlington, the flagship racetrack for horse racing in Illinois, was put up for sale in February. A deadline to submit proposals to Churchill Downs Inc. passed June 15.

A statewide Patch poll in June revealed nearly 75 percent of respondents think the Chicago Bears should move to Arlington Heights and build a new stadium at Arlington International Racecourse. The nonscientific online poll received 6,031 responses. The NFL franchise submitted a bid to buy Arlington International Racecourse on June 17.

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