The Chicago Bears are now considering alternative options for a new stadium outside of Arlington Heights.
The Bears have purchased the 326-acre property that Arlington International Racetrack once occupied. However, the team’s prospects of building a new football stadium at that location have become uncertain.
It may be time for “Plan B.”
Team officials state that they are focusing on other potential locations for a new stadium. And one Illinois city is already vying to seize the opportunity and become the Bears’ new home. This is an unexpected change for one of the esteemed NFL franchises.
Tax issue in Arlington Heights can scuttle suggested stadium
Some may call it “second thoughts.” Others may refer to it as “cold feet.” Regardless of the label, it seems that the Chicago Bears are no longer committed to moving to Arlington Park.
In a statement, Bears spokesperson Scott Hagel said that the Arlington Heights stadium is now “at risk.” He cited the property’s tax assessment and a recent settlement with Churchill Downs, which they believe “does not reflect that the property is not viable and not usable for all purposes in its current state.”
“We will continue the ongoing demolition activity and work towards a path forward in Arlington Heights, but it is no longer our exclusive focus,” Hagel said in the statement.
“It is our responsibility to listen to other municipalities in Chicagoland regarding potential locations that can deliver on this transformative opportunity for our fans, our club, and the State of Illinois.”
The Bears agreed to purchase the Arlington Park property in September 2021 for approximately $197.2 million. A year later, team officials unveiled their vision for a mixed-use entertainment complex that would include a domed stadium on the property and move the team from Soldier Field.
The team closed on the property earlier this year, and demolition of specific structures from the former racetrack began last week. However, with concerns such as Cook County’s high property assessment and public financing for the development beyond the actual stadium, the team is now exploring other options.
According to the Daily Herald, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes hasn’t given up on the issue.
“We’ve gotten pretty far down the road in terms of their redevelopment of that site,” Hayes told the Herald. “I understand there are challenges ahead that still have to be overcome. But I always believe that the Arlington Park property is a very unique property that would be a home for the Bears for their football stadium for 50 years or more.”
Naperville joins within on Bears’ bidding battle
The Bears have considered other potential options beyond Arlington Heights in the past. However, due to the uncertainties surrounding the Arlington Park property, another Chicago suburb has emerged as a contender for the stadium.
The city of Naperville is making its own bid to attract the Bears to the growing western suburb. Naperville Mayor Jeff Wehrli sent a letter to the Bears in May, inviting them to discuss available properties. The Bears met with Wehrli in Naperville on Friday.
While discussions with Arlington Heights remain unresolved due to disputes over taxing and school districts, the Bears are now open to considering proposals outside of the Arlington Heights site.
Naperville spokesperson Linda LaCloche stated that Wehrli reached out to the Bears “to introduce Naperville as a thriving community with multiple opportunities for business investment.”
Located approximately 30 miles west of Chicago, Naperville has a population of over 149,000 according to the 2020 Census, making it the fourth-largest city in Illinois.
M. Pierre is a travel writer in Illinois. He has been covering news and sports events for every online and television broadcast for over a decade. He was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is a good alumnus affiliated with the University of Minnesota: Moorhead. Recently, he has been immersed in the news of tribal online casinos and online gambling. This person also defended the Arizona gambling authorization. Pierre has a background as a reporter and videographer in the media and has defended high school, college, and professional sports teams throughout his career, including the Arizona Capital, Phoenix, Minnesota Vikings, and North Dakota State University football teams.
