Arlington permitted 300 spectators

Arlington International Racecourse on Thursday received approval to begin accommodating 300 spectators on race days beginning Sept. 3.

Patrons attending the track will be confined to outdoor areas and required to wear a mask, except when seated and consuming food or beverage. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and no one under 18 will be allowed into the track. Ticket sales begin Tuesday, Sept. 1.

Arlington has been working with the Arlington Heights Health Department – the local municipality – the Cook County Department of Health, and the Illinois Department of Health, and on Thursday received approval from all three bodies to implement their proposal.

Arlington is in the midst of a belated 30-day, stakes-free season that began July 23. Race days are Thursday through Saturday with cards of eight races.

Arlington’s parent company, Churchill Downs Inc., appears disinterested in continuing to operate the iconic venue. Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of CDI, said on a shareholders’ call earlier this summer that the land on which Arlington sits would be sold for development at some point.