Arlington Park has joined forces with local, state and federal law enforcement and government agencies to devise and implement a series of safety and security procedures for the 19th running of the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002.The new procedures at Arlington Park for the 2002 Breeders' Cup will include magnetic wand searches of persons entering the track's grandstand facilities and each temporary seating area; limits on the types of items that may be brought into those areas by patrons and employees; an increase in the presence of uniformed security personnel in areas throughout the track in the days leading up to the event; and the use of wristbands as identification to gain access to designated locations.The security procedures for the 2002 Breeders' Cup at Arlington Park include:-- Magnetic wand searches of patrons at all track entrance gates;
-- Limits on items that may be brought into Arlington Park by patrons, media and employees;
-- Increased numbers of security personnel at the track;
-- Higher visibility of uniformed security personnel in all areas of the track;
-- Placement of barriers outside the track's admission gates;
-- Vehicles parked in all Arlington Park lots will be subject to search;
-- Suspension of deliveries to Arlington Park at designated times during the week.Items that patrons may carry into Arlington Park are: -- Cellular telephones, cameras, camcorders, small personal music systems, radios and televisions (no boom boxes); patrons required to turn electronic items on before entry is allowed;
-- Binoculars
-- Purses and baby bags (all subject to search)
-- Blankets Items that are banned from Arlington Park include:-- Weapons of any kind (includes all knives and scissors)
-- Bottles and cans of any kind (includes all beverage containers - glass, plastic or metal)
-- Alcoholic beverages
-- Thermoses
-- Coolers
-- Backpacks, luggage and duffel bags
-- Strollers and wagons
-- Chairs
-- Umbrellas
-- Any items deemed unlawful, dangerous, obnoxious or prohibitive by Arlington Park
"We very much appreciate the participation, cooperation and support of the Village of Arlington Heights and our local authorities," said Arlington Park President Steve Sexton. "Additionally, we have included and received support from our associates at Churchill Downs, who recently executed a highly successful security plan for the Kentucky Derby.
"As we move closer to the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships, we will continue our ongoing communications with law enforcement agencies on the local, state and federal levels to ensure an extremely safe event," added Sexton.
"The safety and comfort of our customers and participants are of utmost importance," said D.G. Van Clief, Jr. president of Breeders' Cup Limited. "We are grateful to Arlington Park, the Arlington Heights Village Police and the state and federal agencies which are working to design and implement a highly professional security program."
Law enforcement agencies including numerous police departments from municipalities throughout the Northwest suburbs, led by the Arlington Heights Police Department, plus county, state and federal law enforcementagencies and the office of Governor Ryan's Director of Homeland Security have assisted Arlington Park with the development of the security policies and procedures. In addition, each of these entities as well as a significant private security force will be deployed to execute the plan.
New security procedures, including designated special entrances, will also be in place for media representatives and full-time and seasonal employees of Arlington Park. Members of the media and employees will be required to prominently display their Breeders' Cup credentials at all times. Employees
will not be allowed to bring coolers or food into the track.
All vehicles must have a parking permit to access event parking lots. On-site parking at Arlington Park on Saturday, Oct. 26 will be by pre-purchased permit only. Local law enforcement will be controlling traffic flow so it is very important to follow directions indicated on the permit, including to off-site parking locations. In addition, there will be a limited availability of parking at the track on Friday, Oct. 25.
Officials at Arlington Park and representatives of the participating law enforcement agencies suggest that fans arrive at the track early on both days to avoid any delays in entering the track. On Saturday, Oct. 26, parking lots open at 7:30 a.m., (Central time) with admission gates opening at 8:00 a.m. and first post at 11:05 a.m. For Friday and Sunday racing, gates open at 10:30 a.m. with a first post time of noon.