Chicago Bears Shift Away From Stadium Plans At Former Arlington Park Site

The National Football League's Chicago Bears may no longer be considering building a stadium at the site of the former Arlington Park, reports the Daily Herald. Instead, the team is looking to the south parking lot of Soldier Field for a new publicly-owned domed stadium.

“The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region — boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue,” said Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren in a statement. “We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.”

The Daily Herald reports that the Soldier Field build site faces multiple challenges, like securing public funding and a potential legal challenge from a nonprofit called "Friends of the Parks."

The sale between Churchill Downs Inc. and the Bears closed on Feb. 15, 2023, transferring the site of the Arlington Heights racetrack for a purchase price of $192.7 million. The grandstand has since been demolished, along with other buildings.

State Rep. Mark Walker released this statement: “I trust the Bears when they say they’re exploring all options in the best interest of their company. If they go forward with their lakefront plan, it’s our responsibility to make the best decision for Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and our neighboring communities as well. I look forward to the many interesting proposals to come on the future of Arlington Park like new business development, more affordable housing, or welcoming centers for new arrivals.”

Read more at the Daily Herald.