Hawthorne Race Course & Fanatics Sportsbook — Attraction in Stickney Township

I’m new to this place, very nice atmosphere. On my second day there I was walking around sort of just exploring the place because it was only my second day there. I sat down on one of the outside picnic tables to enjoy the upcoming race. Out of nowhere I am approached by security, the man ever so politely says that I need to prove that I payed (yes the $2) to enter the place. At this point I’m sort of upset because of what I’m being accused of but at the same time I’m like fine no problem lets go clear up any confusion. The shorter medium build security guy that had first approached me escorts me to a bigger man 6 ft 4 in around that height with a bigger build, older guy. And man let me tell you was this guy rude, he was saying “yeah you need to pay to get in” over and over again almost assuring that I snuck in and avoided to pay the $2. By then I’m getting very upset as I’m being considered a liar. But nonetheless I tell the bigger man, no problem let’s go verify with the entrance people that I payed (yes my $2 entrance fee). I figured that once everything was cleared up this bigger man would apologize or at least admit he was wrong in thinking I had snuck in, to my surprise no. He kept the same nasty attitude obviously not wanting to admit I was right and he was wrong when I kept telling him that I had in fact payed the entrance fee. His response to all of this was “ what are you doing over there? “Stay over here there’s nothing going on over there.” He was referring to a certain area of the stands that was in fact open to the public and in no way was blocked off. A small situation like this made me not want to spend money in this establishment I felt extremely offended that I was not only being considered a liar but also a crook, but what topped it off was that this bigger guy didn’t even apologize for the confusion. These guys should learn how to treat...

It's a huge place that is a throwback to the yesteryear of horse racing. It looks and feels like how going to the track was in the late 70's or 80's. The place needs to be updated and cleaned up. The bathrooms were filthy and the place could be a little cleaner. I didn't try the food as the place and the look of the kitchen kept me away. If a place looks like this how good can the food really be.

As far as betting and affordability it gets better. Beer prices are very good, reserving a table or booth is very easy and cheap. The tables on the main concourse have a $20min of food and beverage service and a day at the track will certainly hit that mark. Great amount of large screen tv's plenty of machines but they also are old but still you don't have to wait in line to place a bet or check your ticket.

The people taking the bets are very friendly and helpful and were funny and made it fun to place a bet so great window service. Our waiter for our table did not come by often but the bars were easy to walk up to and just order a round of drinks very quickly.

As far as watching the races, plenty of TV's a nice upper deck and a nice paddock however the railing is a little high and actual road dividers as the wall you cannot huge the railing like you can at Arlington or other horse racing tracks.

If you are regular guy who is just going for the racing and you are there for betting the horses rather than playing Kentucky derby dress up day then this is your place. A no thrills horse racing place and not a fancy joint at all but a easy place to have affordable fun then this is it.

So with that in mind probably a 4 star place but since it's old school decor and cleanness and clientele of the...

I brought my family here to enjoy a beautiful Sunday afternoon outdoors and try something new. We had a great time.

As others have mentioned, the place needs a lot of work, but the track was nice and everyone was very friendly. Also, the races (at least those we saw) and finish line were not directly in front of the seating area, so it wasn't ideal viewing.

There wasn't much info on visiting available on their website, so I wanted to share a few of my findings: Parking and admission were free No backpacks or outside food/drinks allowed. Soda machines available. Some basic food options like hot dogs. Beers were around $4-5. Kids are welcome (when accompanied by an adult) Enter through Gate 4 (at 35th street & Laramie), then walk through the doors at Fanatics, up the ramp, and through the sportsbook to get to the outdoor viewing area. The grandstands are closed, but there are tables/chairs at track level both indoors...