“Very Sad to See It Go”: Last Piece of Equestrian Culture Clings to Historic Racecourse Amidst Demolition After $200 Million NFL Deal

Managing a business is a very dynamic task. This makes a business dealing with sports, which is already very dynamic and ever-changing, an even humongous task. Accommodating with the pushes and pulls of the business, a giant equestrian company sold its area of operations property to another sports team. After two years of careful and selective demolition of the property, the time for the final evacuation has come.

The Arlington Park racetrack was one of the greatest equestrian racetracks in the country. The property was a giant landmark visited by thousands of equestrian fans and enthusiasts. Situated in Chicago, Illinois, the racetrack has now been permanently closed and has been sold off. While the property ceased all racing operations, not all activities had come to a halt. In fact, the property still housed several horses.

Equestrian property sold to the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears purchased the Arlington Park equestrian racetrack from its previous owner, Matt Haug. The deal took place two years ago, and the Bears paid Haug a staggering $200 million to close the deal.

Despite the property changing hands and the demolition process underway, one section of Arlington Park was given on lease to Haug. “Obviously, we’re (away) from any demolition, and horses or people are not in any danger. We’re still operating partially,” said Haug, who still uses the backstretch barns. 

The Chicago Bears have allowed Haug to function from the barns while he awaits mandatory government approval to make his next move. After taking over the 326-acre equestrian property, the Bears extended the lease of the barns on a monthly basis.

Feeling nostalgic, Haug said that he witnessed his first equestrian race at Arlington Park with his father. He noted, “That’s really how I got interested in the whole business. It’s very sad to see it go.” Haug also mentioned, “as a racing fan, I’m going to miss Arlington.” Matt Haug will move to Randall Road and Interstate 90 in West Dundee in his newly built facility.

The cooperative partnership with the Chicago Bears

Haug also said that the Chicago Bears have been very understanding and cooperative. He said, “we’re very thankful for them cooperating with us and letting us continue and not disrupting the flow of business with the horses while we make the transition to our new location, which should be very soon.” Haug had to overstay at Arlington Park as he waited for a green signal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture before shifting to his new equestrian facility.

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Since June, the team has been meticulously demolishing the six-story equestrian grandstand. However, Haug continued its operations from the west side of the property, leaving it untouched. The barns served as a quarantine facility for horses.

Haug also used the barns as a small-scale site for importing and exporting horses. With the government approval just one week away, the last horses will finally leave the great Arlington Park.

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