A Super Bowl In Illinois? State Could Host Major Sports Events If Bears Buy Arlington

The Chicago Bears grabbed attention last week by revealing their plan to buy Arlington International Racecourse. The 326-acre property, currently owned by Churchill Downs, was listed for sale earlier this year.

If the racing and gaming company were to accept the Bears’ proposal, it would mark the conclusion of a longstanding era. Most betting fans of the Chicago Bears are well-informed about the team’s tenure at Soldier Field since 1971.

The Bears are likely drawn to a suburban mega-venue because it has the capacity to host prestigious sports events like the Super Bowl, Final Fours, and College Football Playoffs.

If we’re truly setting our sights high, why not aim for the World Cup as well?

Illinois came in second in the US sports betting market in April, with a handle of $537.2 million, following New Jersey. The state is projected to continue its strong presence in the sports betting industry for the foreseeable future.

Hosting major sports events regularly would only further reinforce the notion.

Had Illinois host the March Madness or the Super Bowl?

Last year, Lineups.com wrote an article ranking the top 10 sporting events with the highest number of bets placed.

The World Cup, March Madness, and Super Bowl are all considered some of the top five sporting events, with the World Cup being the most prestigious. Arlington Heights, Illinois now has a venue with a retractable roof that enables it to host such major competitions.

Despite not being ranked in the top 10, the College Football Playoff remains a popular event for sports betting.

Arlington Heights, Illinois, may have the opportunity to be included in the same lineup as cities like Indianapolis, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas (Arlington), and more.

These events attract large crowds of visitors, potentially driving significant growth in the Illinois sports betting market. This could result in higher profits for operators in IL and an increase in tax revenue for the state.

Despite experiencing app outages for a significant portion of the day, Illinois residents still managed to wager over $45 million on the Super Bowl in 2021.

Without a doubt, had the Super Bowl taken place in Illinois, the total amount wagered would likely have been greater.

Would there be a casino in Arlington Heights?

Although it is premature to make a definitive decision, it appears reasonable to explore the possibility of installing a casino at Arlington Heights Stadium.

PointsBet is the Bears’ official sports betting partner, but they have not shown interest in setting up a retail sportsbook at Soldier Field.

However, it should be noted that a service in Arlington Heights saw a much higher annual foot traffic than Soldier Field. This could be attributed to the fact that Soldier Field is located in a relatively isolated area, whereas a suburban facility would likely be surrounded by a full entertainment district.

While these potential profits from the ifs are impressive, it is likely that a retail sportsbook would generate significant revenue at this theoretical stadium.

Mayor Lightfoot dismisses the notion with warm waters.

The Bears’ offer to buy the property adds weight to the speculation that Arlington Heights is interested, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago quickly pushed for the team to remain in the city.

She took a direct approach, putting in consistent effort to build the brand. Her actions spoke louder than words.

According to her statement, this is a negotiation tactic. Some fans argue that Soldier Field is one of the worst stadiums in the NFL, and this could be a ploy to push for upgrades.

Churchill Downs will be reviewing multiple proposals, including one from Roy Arnold, former president of Arlington Park, who is suggesting keeping horse racing activities at the location.

The upcoming sales will have a major impact on Illinois’ sports, games, and racing industries.