THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE ONCE-GLEAMING ARLINGTON INTERNATIONAL Racecourse, where bettors spent big money on the “sport of kings,” is now a destination for drivers of U-Hauls, delivery vans, and small trucks. They’ve come to cart off the last remnants of the 95-year-old track—chairs, wooden benches, kitchen ovens, bathroom signs, betting kiosks, and even horse blankets, all purchased in online auctions, some with bids starting at 50 cents.
This fire sale was ignited by last year’s agreement by the Chicago Bears to purchase the 326-acre site. The team’s game plan calls for building an estimated $3
