The first steps toward Arlington Heights — and away from Soldier Field — are on the verge of being taken. The Chicago Bears have reportedly signed a purchase agreement for the Arlington International Racecourse property, a rumored/potential destination for their next stadium.
The team is said to be announcing the news tomorrow (Wednesday):
EXCLUSIVE: Bears sign purchase agreement for Arlington Park property https://t.co/jXTV4f8FwR
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) September 29, 2021
In case you forgot, chatter about the Bears and a move to suburban Arlington Heights has been lingering for a while now.
The Rumor History
It first popped up in February, hung around through April, and got serious in June when the team announced it was bidding to purchase the property. Throw in some public barbs thrown by Chicago’s mayor calling the Bears’ bluff and recent news highlighting how keeping the Bears at Soldier Field was a complicated, renovation-driven mess, that it’s come to this — the Bears signing off on buying the property — isn’t a surprise.
This feels like it’s been a long time coming, even if the reality of the situation is sinking in only just now.
What Does it All Mean?
What does this means right now? Not much. Not yet, anyway. The Bears’ next home game will be played at Soldier Field. As will remaining games on the schedule. And try as they might, they’re not building a stadium in Arlington Heights overnight. In other words, this does not mean they’re definitely moving out of Chicago, not immediately or even necessarily at all. At least, not as far as I can tell.
Nevertheless, this seemingly small step — even if it winds up as little more than a play for leverage against a mayor that would certainly prefer to keep the Bears in Chicago if they can — is a major development.
To that end, here are some of the comments from the Mayor’s office (via The Athletic) that stood out to me:
“However, just as the Bears view this as a business decision so does the City. This season, Soldier Field signed a major contract with the Chicago Fire and just last weekend Soldier Field hosted the Shamrock Series — both of which are lucrative for the Chicago Park District and local economy.
“These examples and others demonstrate that Soldier Field remains a very sought-after venue, and, as the Mayor has said many times, overall, the City and Park District must explore all options to both enhance the visitor and fan experience at Soldier Field year-round and maximize revenues. Therefore, we must do what’s in the best economic interests of our taxpayers and maximize the financial benefits at the important asset that is Soldier Field. As for the Bears, the Mayor has said numerous times, our door in City Hall remains open to engage the Bears.”
See? We’re busy, successful, financially sound, and totally fine without you … but we’d also be, like, totally okay if you stayed.
Beyond that, you may recall hearing that the Bears’ lease with Soldier Field runs through 2033. That’s true, however, the team can reportedly break the lease in 2026 at the price of $84 million.
In other words, this power play by the Bears puts the city of Chicago on notice. Same for Bears fans, especially those who have been thirsting for a new, modern stadium to watch their favorite team. Stay tuned, because the drama and intrigue are only just beginning.
UPDATE: How serious is this step in terms of the Bears actually making the move? Well, according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic … very.
Extremely. In years past, the team has used Arlington Park as leverage in its negotiations with the city. But not this time; this time the Bears know they need a home and have the means to make it happen.
This may be just one part of a broader negotiating process, but it is a really significant one.
UPDATE 2: The team has officially announced the purchase agreement.
Michael Cerami contributed to this post.