WELCOME TO CHAMPIONS CASINO & RESORT
The best play last, that's what defines "champions". And in a town renowned for its legendary sports heritage, you go big or go home.
Not only does CHAMPIONS propose to be the tenth and final casino gaming licensee in Illinois, we will create the premiere entertainment destination in the Chicagoland area–an entertainment park unlike any in the nation, featuring high-limit table action and big-pay slots; live championship thoroughbred racing; premium restaurant and retail amenities; a family-friendly water park; movies, bowling, concerts and much, much more...
As our proposal develops, this site will continue to be updated. Please sign-up
for our email list to receive breaking news and project updates. And thanks for your interest and support!

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Global Gaming Business Weekly, October 27, 2008 - 10th License > read more (PDF) |
Stickney highlights casino bid |
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Race track operators make bid for casino license (ABC 7) > read more |
Mike Ditka in Bid for State's Final Casino (FOX CHICAGO) |
In Loss of Casino Opportunity, Hawthorne Sees Positive Signs For Slots Legislation
(Press Release)
> read more
Recent Tribune Article Shows Why Rosemont Does NOT Need Casino
(chicagotribune.com)
> read more
> Click here for Open Letter Response from Mayor Tabor of Stickney
Tim Carey Interviewed on 670 The Score – Sunday, Nov 2
> hear audio clip (.mp3)
Hawthorne 'racino' a unique proposition
(suburbanchicagonews.com)
> read more
Hawthorne Showcases Ability to Quickly Open Champions Casino and Resort During Gaming Board Site Visit
(Post Press Release)
> read more
Coach Ditka on the Steve Cochran Show, WGN 720AM, Friday, Oct. 17
> hear audio clip (.wav)
CHAMPIONS Casino at Hawthorne Park Confident Opening Bid Will Play Well (Post Press Release)
> read more
Illinois Tracks Could See Casino Money
(news.bloodhorse.com)
> read more
Hawthorne submits bid for casino license
(thoroughbredtimes.com)
> read more
Stickney Casino Would Draw Gamblers, Families; Has Ditka As Backer
(WBBM Newsradio 780)
> read more
Coach Mike Ditka playing two states as casino celeb pitchman
(The Times nwi.com)
> read more
Racetrack could win casino license
(The Sun-Times)
> read more
Hawthorne to bid for casino license
(Daily Racing Form)
> read more
Hawthorne Race Course Announces Bid for 10th Casino License in Stickney
> read more
Hawthorne Race Course Leads Unprecedented Bid for 10th Casino License
(Press Release)
> read more
Premiere Racing Facility in US
> view video clip (Flash)
Everything for everybody
> view video clip (Flash)
Location, Location, Location
> view video clip (Flash)
The oldest sports venue in Illinois is about to become the premiere sports & entertainment destination in the Midwest featuring:
...a 40,000 sf. casino |
..150,000 sf. water park and resort |
...4,800 seat outdoor amphitheater |
...and live championship thoroughbred racing! |
And it's all just 7 miles from downtown Chicago.
> read more

1. | 180 DAYS: no other applicant can open by June 2009! |
2. | Economic Stimulus NOW: $200,000,000 in tax revenue while other applicants are still digging holes in the ground! |
3. | JOBS, JOBS, JOBS: 3500 new jobs created–half 2009! |
4. | Serve the MOST people: 4.8 Million in 30-minute drive! |
5. | Won't be hurt by proximity to out-of-state casinos that allow smoking! |
6. | Only full-casino in the nation to showcase LIVE Championship horseracing! |
7. | Benefit 40,000 Illinois jobs dependent on horseracing industry! |
8. | Hawthorne has been a proven steward of the community for 100 years! |
9. | All local developers with proven local success in gaming & tourism market! |
10 | Generate the MOST state revenue the MOST quickly! |
And the double-down bonus reason:
Da Coach. A CHAMPIONSHIP partner in Coach Mike Ditka!

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