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First constructed by Chicago mobster Al Capone in 1934, the track,
then known as Sportsman Park, was intended as a greyhound track.
When this plan failed, ownership changed and the focus was switched
to midget car racing. After 20 years as a successful car racing
facility, interest began to wane and in 1956, Sportsman Park was
demolished to make way for what would eventually become one of the
nation's premier harness racing tracks, Northfield Park.
In 1984, the track's owners spent nearly $20,000,000 to renovate
the facility, elevating it to a position of prominence within the
industry. The glass-enclosed, climate-controlled grandstand and
adjacent clubhouse, together, can seat over 5,800 people.
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