Arlington Heights Officials Not Wowed By Bears’ Initial Stadium Plans

Several years back, it would’ve been unfathomable to Chicago Bears fans that their team would play in any location other than the historic Soldier Field.

Since 1971, the Bears, a favorite in Illinois sports betting, have made Soldier Field their home.

In September 2021, the Bears entered a $197.2 million purchase agreement for the previously closed Arlington Racecourse. Since then, indications have suggested that Chicago’s football team is preparing to relocate 30 miles northwest to Arlington Heights.

Recently, the Bears and Arlington Heights made further progress towards their union. On Monday, Oct. 12, the team’s owners had a meeting with officials from Arlington Heights to showcase the initial plans for the new stadium.

Bears didn’t score in meeting with local officials

The Bears’ proposal includes a significant element of a multi-purpose zone in the vicinity of the stadium. This space is intended to encompass both residential and commercial real estate. The team envisions this area being filled with amenities like bars, restaurants, hotels, gyms, and apartments.

Arlington Heights officials struggled to accept the proposal from Bears ownership. Trustee Jim Tinaglia commented as follows:

I am fully committed to completing this redevelopment agreement, but I cannot support this site plan. I can’t endorse its implications and I believe it will negatively impact our downtown businesses.

Another issue raised during the meeting was public transportation and access to the new stadium. The Bears’ proposal suggested improvements to the existing Arlington Heights Metra station, with the aim of accommodating increased traffic on game days.

However, the local officials’ board was taken by surprise by this. They are of the opinion that constructing a second train station would be the most effective way to accommodate large crowds.

The Bears and officials last clashed over the source of funding for the construction of the multi-purpose area. However, in September 2021, the team clarified that they would provide all the necessary funds for building the stadium.

At the Monday meeting, officials from Arlington Height stated that they need to understand the positive impact of the multi-purpose area on the region before they can commit public funds for its construction. Village manager, Randy Recklaus, stated:

“This agreement does not in any way obligate or bind the village to offer or advocate for any public financing. The village must still acknowledge the need for fiscal benefit.”

It wasn’t a total loss for Bears ownership

One positive outcome for the Bears from Monday’s meeting was that officials from Arlington Heights proposed incentives for businesses planning to relocate to the town, should the Bears decide to move in.

A group suggested a regulation to halt these incentives. However, the regulation was unanimously rejected when put to vote on Monday.

The Bears’ significant victory paved the way for their plan to inaugurate a versatile space featuring retail shops, eateries, and bars. The persistence of these incentives will make the relocation to this area an appealing prospect for businesses.

Included perks are:

• Tax incentives
• Tax abatements
• Fee reductions