NEWSLETTER
With every update that crosses our desk, it grows more apparent that it is a matter of “when” and not “if” the Chicago Bears leave Soldier Field for the suburbs.
On Thursday, the Bears and Arlington Heights will have a community meeting to discuss the Bears’ purchasing plans for Arlington Park. But before we get to that, the team released a statement and some visuals for their plan. Check it out:
Whoa, baby! Business is picking UP!
Between the images, mark-ups, and commentary, there is a whole lot to get to in that link above. And I’d encourage you to do so when you’ve got some time on your hands. In the meantime, here are some highlights:
An enclosed stadium sure grabs my attention. As does the potential to host Super Bowls, College Football Playoff games, and the Final Four. An open air stadium can’t do all of that, even thought it would be cool to see one try.
Don’t mind my adding the bold type to the text above. I just find it important and notable, especially in the wake of the news that a petition for an ordinance rejecting taxpayer funding of the new stadium was set to be presented tonight at an Arlington Heights Village Board meeting on Tuesday, per the Sun-Times. Even with the statement, it feels as if the Bears are trying to work around some things and finesse their way into getting some public financing for the project (although, perhaps not specifically the stadium). Let’s keep an eye on that as things develop.
Two important Soldier Field nuggets for the Bears here. Firstly, a re-iteration that the city’s last-gasp efforts aren’t enough to keep the team in the city. But also, the team is keeping its commitment to honor the terms of the lease it has with the city to play at Soldier Field. Mind you, terms of the lease reportedly include an $84 million buyout in 2026. That feels important.
Anyway, I’d encourage you to give this a longer look if you get a chance. It’s certainly another significant step toward Arlington Heights (and away from Soldier Field).
