PA name: Valuist
real name: John Preble
attendance: racing
Friday- Arlington
Saturday- Arlington
Sunday- Arlington
attendance dinner- Sat night--probably
preferred location: near AP
hotel: not needed

90 minutes Milwaukee to Arlington via 94/Willow Road

Depending on time of day, thats not that much different from Midway. I live about 7 miles from Arlington and I've flown out of Mitchell several times. Very quick/easy in and out of Mitchell.

Just a quick update, I'm working on having a couple of special guests for this outing (one remotely, one live) who will conduct short (~15 minute sessions that I think will be of great interest to the group and enhance the day). Will keep on the look out for one or two more. Open to ideas too.

And if you havent posted here but may attend, please do so. just trying to get a sense of the group size. I know there are a few more folks than what is shown in this thread

Jon

Great
 

I am looking forward to it. I was about to post to see about progress..
Thanks JD for taking the lead on this. I am recovering from a bad cold/
bronchitis but if you need any help let me know..I will do what I can to help
keep in mind I am up in Wisconsin...Thanks again...I have 1 extra guest for sat.
and another for the whole weekend...things should firm up by derby time.

Stuball

Stuball (and everyone else) -

Great! I am keeping my eyes/ears open to add to the event/weekend but there isnt that much at the moment that needs to be done. As we get closer a few more things need to be taken care of; will ping you if I need any help.

Jon

First 'official' extra for our shindig is hereby announced.

Bob Dwyer, HANA Board member will attend on Saturday and give a us a brief overview of HANA plus a Q&A. And he will be around to talk to one-on-one etc. Other HANA Board members may also attend.

HANA is the ONLY group that speaks out on the bettors' behalf with a concerted effort. All volunteer too.

More details on a couple of other things in the works as they firm up. My intent is to keep these extras to 10-15 minutes so as to not interfere with the racing day.

Please do sign up if you haven't already so we can get an accurate headcount.

Jon

PA Name: Helles
Real Name (First and/or last): Doug Leavy
Attendance - Racing
Friday: Arlington
Saturday: Arlington
Sunday: Arlington
Attendance - dinner Saturday night Yes
Prefer near AP
Prefer downtown
Ball game: AL? Uh, no
Need hotel room (willing to consider group rate): Yes Unless I can stay in Jon's basement. Arlington ain't 'The 'Ho', but what the heck.

Although i dont post often i hope i can attend. Also here is my POV on a few things
-Dinner, if it's in the city you are looking at a minimum of 3 to 4 hours between commute down, dinner, and heading home. When i lived in downtown Chicago it was a mess heading down there on a Friday night. There are many great restaurant options out in Schaumburg with the Woodfield Mall near by.
-As for hotel anyone that wants something super convenient should stay at the Sheraton next to the track. It is very nice and walking distance. Also if your an early riser you can request a room that is overlooking the track and you will be able to see the horses working out in the morning. Also breakfast at Arlington is always fun on Saturday mornings.
-Also i interact with John Dooley (track announcer) and im sure he'd love to come talk to the group, give a brief tour and meet for a few cold ones for those interested. Just let me know if you'd like me to reach out

JimmyQ

Jimmy Q....that hotel has been closed for years.

LOL i was there like 2.5 years ago and many times before that. Must have closed the doors the moment i left. What is there now?

JimmyQ

Last I looked....nothing...weeds growing in the parking lot.

Thanks just found an article on it. Sounds like they originally had a buyer but the deal fell thru so they just closed it. I wish Arlington would buy the hotel or at least the land. Maybe if slots ever pass in Illinois they could expand their establishment.
JimmyQ

There are a few hotels that aren't too far. If anyone is looking for a room, post here and we can help. Sounds to me like JimmyQ HAS to attend as its been too long!! :)

LOL yes i'll be there but might have to stop and ask for directions! Im a westcoaster now

JimmyQ