Tell me about Hawthorne
 

Going to Chicago the first part of December and figure what hell? Let's go to the races at Hawthorne. Dont say "it's a dump don't go" because I'm going to see a new track and add another to my list. I'm 26, surely I can rack up a decent number before they all shut down or I kick the bucket. :rip:But chime in on what I'm in for as well as pointers for a Saturday at Hawthorne.

Whoops thought I was in General discussion not Selections. Move or delete please

My sister lives in Chicago.

I've been to both Arlington and Hawthorne.

Arlington is gorgeous (but has a Poly track.)

Hawthorne seems more like "the low side of the road." The hole-in-the-sneaker guy, the guy reading the program at the urinal, cheap beer and brat combo deals. I much prefer Hawthorne.

Moved...

I have only been once about 3-4 years ago. Not a lot of people there, it was in November. A filly I had a small stake in won a MSW there-so I love it, fond memories!

The best advice that I can give you is...don't indulge in the 3-card Monte game that a tall, skinny black guy deals in the parking lot after the races. Take my word for it...it's a no-win situation.

LOL LOL :D That is so funny Thask I saw him about 20 years ago or was it his dad? Ahhhhh Memories they are all I have left....:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:!!!!!!!

Stuball

20 years? Heck I remember this going on at sportsmans and Hawthorne 50 years ago.

They are only racing on Fridays and Saturdays this year in December which is a little different from last year.

Hawthorne is an awesome old-school track in all of its gritty glory. Definitely go!

Haven't been myself for abt. 8 years, but highlights at my last visit were....

1) Great selection of old winner's circle & Hawthorne Gold Cup photos all around the clubhouse.

2) The outdoors "nosebleed" seats in the grandstand third floor have to be the steepest trackside seating I have ever encountered. Definitely go up there to watch the start of a route race. You are practically looking down on the starting gate from directly above and you will hear the pre-race chatter like you are in the gate with the horses.

3) In a perverse way, I enjoyed the apocalyptic outdoors view from the back mezzanine (people went out there pretty much just to smoke when I visited). It looks directly out onto where the old Sportsman's Park used to be (yes, the two tracks were once side by side, I believe separated by the city limits borders of Cicero & Stickney). It was converted to an auto racetrack in the 1990s, and then left to decay/ruin.

A heads up: You can take public transportation to & from the track if you are staying in downtown Chicago, but numerous people at the track warned me away from going back into the city via the shuttle buses & trains after dark. Cab ride was only about $30 on an early Saturday evening w/ no traffic and well worth the money in terms of saving time (and perhaps from a safety standpoint too). I am very used to being around "sketchy" racetracks at night, but Hawthorne was the one track in my life where I had won abt. $700 and felt compelled to go into a men's room stall, take off a shoe, and hide the money in my sock until I got back to my hotel.

Seen that same guy too. He had a couple of partners who would pick the right card to draw you in. Also back then there was a guy selling polish sausages on the way out. He barked so convincingly that my friend and I each got a polish even though we weren't really hungry. It was almost like an order from him.

A beverage distributor warehouse now occupies old Sportsman's land.

The upper deck seats are awesome. Best view of any track anywhere that I have been to, over 50 of them.

Always thought the old brick tote board was pretty cool.

Any track you have not yet been to is worth a visit!

Good advice on the location, as far as being safe. If you are smart commuting, you will be safe.

As for the track experience, it is definitely 1980 all over again. Old school all the way, mostly in a good way. Sight lines are poor in most spots, but it's still the track!!! You gotta go.

Prepare for it to be cold inside, it's kind of an old industrial feeling building. When the doors open, cold blasts in. If the weather is ok (30's or up) walk down to the paddock area, and near the winners circle. A lot of the local horseman hang around, and typically are pretty good with the fans.

Every track is an experience, and Hawthorne is no exception. Also a few good bars inside, the one near the wire just inside the entrance has plenty of players there, and always some good drink specials.

Last time I was there, I got stuck on elevator, the place is in serious need of repairs. Casinos have not been kind to Illinois racing in general, and if you want to see this place you better do it, because most likely it is heading the way of Sportsmans! RIP! Those of us that were around for the old Hawthorne that burned, were shocked at what a they built years ago.

You might want to go see Arlington, even though they are not racing, but you can bet at Trackside which as some people know, is the model for Kentucky Downs.

Exactly! :jump: