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Hawthorne Race Course Tickets

Location
Chicago's Hometown Track | Horse Racing in Cicero, IL

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The venue

About Hawthorne Race Course

Hawthorne Race Course sits at 3501 S. Laramie Ave in Cicero, IL, and is widely regarded as Chicago’s hometown track. As Illinois’ oldest sporting venue, Hawthorne hosts both Thoroughbred and Standardbred (Harness) racing, with a capacity approaching 80,000 across the entire space. The track features diverse viewing options—from grandstands to trackside areas—and notable event spaces like The Clubhouse, First Turn Tent, and the Party Patio. Whether you’re planning a day at the races or a special event, we’ve got you covered with seating options, parking guidance, transit access, and nearby lodging and dining choices to fit your needs.

Plan ahead to secure your seats and enjoy premier racing events such as the Illinois Derby, Hawthorne Gold Cup, Hawthorne Derby, and the Sixty Sails Handicap. While there is no published public seating chart, you’ll find comfort and visibility in grandstands and dedicated group spaces. Parking is on-site, with access adjustments due to ongoing casino construction affecting Cicero entrances; alternate access via Laramie Ave is recommended. Public transit options include the nearby CTA Pink Line (54th/Cermak) Cicero station and multiple bus connections (CTA buses 21, 54, 54B, N60) and Pace routes. For a convenient stay and dining experience, explore our recommended partner hotels and restaurants in Cicero and the greater Chicagoland area. Secure your seats with our easy, no-fuss process and let us help you plan a seamless race day or event at Hawthorne.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 3501 S. Laramie Ave, Cicero, IL 60804.
  • Venue type: Horse racing track hosting both Thoroughbred and Standardbred (Harness) racing; billed as Chicago’s hometown track and the oldest sporting venue in Illinois.
  • Capacity: Entire space up to about 80,000 (standing/seated); Largest Dining Room capacity around 650; Club Hawthorne private spaces up to 100.
  • Seating/chart: No publicly published public seating chart; seating is in grandstands and trackside viewing areas; group spaces include The Clubhouse (up to 100 guests) and First Turn Tent/Party Patio.
  • Parking: On-site parking available; parking access affected by casino construction (Cicero entrance closed; access via Laramie Ave); see parking information PDF for details.
  • Transit: Nearby CTA Pink Line (54th/Cermak) Cicero station with multiple bus connections (CTA buses 21, 54, 54B, N60) and Pace routes.
  • Nearby hotels: Hotels in Cicero/West Suburbs and greater Chicagoland area; see Hotels near Hawthorne Race Course listings for options.
  • Notable events hosted: Illinois Derby, Hawthorne Gold Cup, Hawthorne Derby, Sixty Sails Handicap; the Illinois Festival of Racing has been associated with Hawthorne.
  • Renamed/demolished: No rename or demolition; Hawthorne Race Course continues to operate as Hawthorne; historic fires (e.g., 1902, 1978) led to rebuilds, not a name change.