Evans with distressing quotes regarding AP's future..

[dellinger63]

Originally Posted by chucklestheclown

Perhaps you don't follow Illinois politics. Pity. Arlington will be the site of tract homes in less than 15 years.
From the same article:

"Evans said all options are on the table in terms of making Arlington more viable, from reducing dates to selling the track.

“The future of racing at any track without added gaming is going to be in question,” Evans said. “If you think it’s bad now, wait and see in a few years. Every track that does not have alternative gambling is going to be in trouble.”...

Evans outlined racing’s $2.47-billion dip in pari-mutuel wagering in 2009 compared to ’07 and noted that foal crops continue to get smaller. The Jockey Club projects an 11.8% decrease in foals in 2010. With that in mind, Evans believes the tracks that will thrive will be the outlets that are able to boost purses with money from added gaming to attract entries from a shrinking pool of horses....

The economic downturn, according to Evans, has likely prevented more tracks from being sold for development. He said low property values have made selling tracks unattractive but if residential and commercial property values rebound, several tracks would likely be sold."


Between the beating they are going to take at Blago's trial and the imminent upswing in the housing market you can (sadly) kiss AP goodbye. Anyone who knows the area knows that land is prime.

Blago tried to extort Johnston (Maywood, Balmoral) not any other tracks I'm aware of. Although I agree AP is prime land for sure there is a huge empty/hotel-Water Park in its shadow and the plant itself at AP is worth plenty. Unlike any other track I know of AP also serves as a mini-convention center and on many winter w/e's the lot is packed.

I also can't see Mr. D ever letting it be re-developed while he's alive. He's one of the few who could pull out a check book and buy it back. Thankfully he looks healthier than ever.

Like Chuck I think this was a shot over the bow in an attempt to get slots. I'm a bit confused as I know bars/Restaurants in at least Palatine are getting state licensed video poker machines. I guess I presumed AP was too. It would be ironic if Jimmy D's got machines, AP didn't and shuts down which would likely force Jimmy to shut down. Lastly IMO A.H. is crowded enough. It would be horrible to make it another Naperville although Jimmy's could become another Portillos if it did.

As I said in another thread I do think parts of AP, by the Sheraton, and by the church could be parceled off w/o selling the track and stables in the next 10-15 yrs.