BREAKING: Chicago Bears Submit Bid To Buy Arlington International Racecourse

Written By Joe Boozell on June 17, 2021
bears arlington park bid

The Chicago Bears and NBA are considering moving to Arlington Heights in the near future.

After months of speculation, the team officially announced on Thursday that they have submitted a bid to purchase Arlington International Racecourse.

Earlier this year, Churchill Downs announced that Arlington was for sale. The Bears currently have a lease to play at Soldier Field until at least 2033, but they seem to believe they have the option to terminate the contract if necessary.

The Bears may also be using this as a tactic to negotiate better terms for their current lease agreement.

If the offer were higher, it is possible that Churchill Downs would have considered presenting it to the Bears, depending on the details of the offer.

Bears fans, get ready for a new era on the horizon.

The Bears may want to relocate to Arlington Heights for what reasons?

To begin with, constructing a bigger complex would enable the Bears to accommodate larger events.

If the Bears were to build a facility in Arlington Heights similar to that of the Minnesota Vikings, they would likely be considered for hosting championship matches and other major events. However, Soldier Field is currently not being discussed in these considerations.

The weather conditions that are typically associated with bears would cease to exist.

The 326-acre Arlington International property offers the opportunity for the capital and the Bears to potentially develop a vibrant entertainment district around the new stadium. While Soldier Field benefits from its lakefront location, it is isolated from other commercial establishments.

Soldier Field in Chicago may be difficult to reach, but the potential move to Arlington Heights, despite potential objections from fans, is not as complex as it seems.

The Bears are looking to purchase a property with direct access to a Metra train stop. Arlington Heights is approximately a 50-minute train ride from Chicago.

What could cause Churchill Downs to offer to the Bears?

The controversial sale of Churchill Downs has been driven by the desire to prevent any possibility of a casino or racino being built on the property in the future.

The allegations have been raised due to Churchill Downs, majority shareholder of Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, being accused of using anti-competitive tactics. This is particularly concerning as Rivers and Arlington are just a 20-minute drive apart.

Nevertheless, the Bears’ cost may be attractive to everyone involved.

Although it is theoretically possible for the Bears to include a sportsbook in their new stadium, it is unlikely that it would feature a full casino or horse racetrack. Therefore, suggesting that a Bears stadium would have a significant impact on Rivers Casino is a challenging argument to support.

Arlington Heights may greatly appreciate the relocation of the Bears to the suburbs.

Tom Hayes, the Mayor of Arlington Heights, expressed his excitement about the potential for a professional sports team in the area. He also mentioned that their presence could lead to additional opportunities for redevelopment.

Arlington Heights has decided to focus on purchasing a racino, but it would be speculative to assume that city leaders could bring an NFL franchise to the town without knowing the details of the offer.

The Play-illinois.com team will continue to offer you the latest updates on this story.