Arlington Park news release
Contact: David Zenner
Dzenner@arlingtonpark.com
ARLINGTON PARK TO HOST “LEE DeWYZE AMERICAN IDOL HOMECOMING PERFORMANCE” FRIDAY, MAY 14
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Illinois (May 10, 2010) -- Should Lee DeWyze, a top four “American Idol” finalist, advance to the popular FOX television program’s final three this week, the Mount Prospect/Arlington Heights resident will have his homecoming performance in the winner’s circle after the final race at Arlington Park on Friday, May 14.
The three-song performance will begin at 6:30 pm and will be the culmination of his daylong return to the Chicago area.
This is a ticketed event only. Those fans who wish to only come for the post-race performance can do so free of charge but will need to secure a general admission ticket that allows entry to the racetrack after 4 pm by visiting www.arlingtonpark.com after Wednesday night’s “American Idol” results program concludes at 8 pm Central time. These general admission tickets will not include reserved seating and will be made available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Those fans wishing to purchase admission and reserved seats for the afternoon’s races, which begin at a special time of 1 pm to accommodate the post-race performance, will be permitted to remain in those seats for the free performance. Tickets for racing start at just $6 and can be purchased online at www.arlingtonpark.com.
The performance at Arlington Park follows a motorcade/viewing through downtown Mount Prospect. The motorcade will begin at approximately 4:30 pm, and proceed down Northwest Highway between Route 83/Main Street and Central Road.
Mt. Prospect Mayor Irvana Wilks is thrilled to be hosting this hometown celebration, should Lee make it to the final three.
“There has been such an outpouring of community support for Lee DeWyze these last few months from students, business owners, and all our residents. The enthusiasm has been remarkable,” said Mayor Wilks.
“We are thrilled that Lee, who spent much of youth as an Arlington Heights resident, has advanced this far on ‘American Idol’,” said Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder. “I know everyone in Arlington Heights is rooting for Lee to go all the way and we are honored that Arlington Park has been chosen to host this once in a lifetime event.”
“Arlington Park always been one of Chicagoland’s ‘must-visit’ destinations, and for us to be chosen to host this special homecoming performance for Lee DeWyze is a great honor,” added Arlington Park President Roy Arnold.
Arlington Park – the Chicago area’s premier Thoroughbred racetrack located in Arlington Heights, Ill. – will run a 91-day meet in 2010 from Thursday, April 29 through Sunday, Sept. 26. Arlington Park, whose parent company is Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN), also operates 10 off-track, simulcast-wagering facilities: Trackside Arlington Park (Arlington Heights), Trackside Chicago, Trackside Quad City Downs (East Moline), Trackside Waukegan, Shooters Bar & Grill at Don Carter Lanes featuring Trackside Rockford, Fat Sam’s Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in Lockport, Lucky’s featuring Trackside OTB in South Elgin, Nicolino’s featuring Trackside OTB in McHenry, Tad’s Sports Bar & Grill featuring Trackside OTB in South Beloit and Salerno-Pincente Ristorante featuring Trackside OTB in Hodgkins. Information on Arlington Park can be found online at www.arlingtonpark.com.
