One of the more unexpected rumors that popped up in recent months involved the idea of the Chicago Bears moving. No, not to another city. Just out of Soldier Field and the city proper to a northwest suburb in Arlington Park. There is a longstanding horse race track there that is up for grabs with new ownership in line to collect 326 acres of land. From the Bears’ perspective, it could be a perfect location to establish a new stadium.
Why would they do this? The primary reasoning is Soldier Field itself. While an iconic landmark of football history, it’s also the smallest stadium by a considerable margin in the NFL. Seating capacity sits at 61,500. Meanwhile, the new SoFi stadium in Los Angeles for the Rams and Chargers can seat 70,000 with the ability to expand to 100,000. That is a lot of extra butts in seats and the undeniable cash that comes with them.
One can understand why the Bears would prefer a larger venue.
The problem is they aren’t the sole owners of Soldier Field. So simply deciding to expand it isn’t that easy. This is why there is an undercurrent of belief that some in the organization are intrigued by the idea of moving to Arlington Park. Tom Hayes, the mayor of Arlington Heights said he’s received fewer than 10 proposals for redevelopment in the area. He confirmed that the idea of the Bears moving there is a definite option according to Christopher Placek of the Daily Herald.
“It’s still on the table, to my understanding, but it’s a complete, definite ‘maybe,'” Hayes said. “I’m not in a position where I could say it’s a definite ‘go’ or definite ‘no go.'”
A Bears spokesman didn’t respond to a request for comment Monday, but the team has not denied interest in a move to Arlington Park when asked.
As Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot reiterated back in May, the team has a viable complaint regarding their current stadium. However, they’re also under a lease agreement until 2033. So the idea of moving sooner than later would be a huge challenge and likely expensive. While she admitted Soldier Field is a challenging site, she also made it clear the NFL would step in if the team tried to move anyway.
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Chicago Bears likely won’t move until ownership situation changes
As long as Virginia McCaskey remains the primary decisionmaker, it is unlikely the team will consider the idea of shifting outside Chicago. Once she is gone though? That is a more difficult question. It isn’t a secret that several of her extended family members who hold stocks in the organization wish to sell the team. Without the matriarch to keep everybody in line, it’s fair to wonder if they’ll get their wish.
A new owner could absolutely tip the scale in the direction of a move. Something that has happened many times across the history of professional sports. In fact, a local Chicago business tycoon Neil Bluhm is considered a favorite to buy them if a sale were to happen. He has direct ties to Arlington Park thanks to his connections to Churchill Downs Inc. This is a highly fluid situation that doesn’t figure to go away.
It all depends on two factors.
When the sale of the land figures to finally happen and the status of Mrs. McCaskey. If she passes in the near future, it could create the momentum for the Chicago Bears to push for a move. On the other hand, if the sale draws near with her still in the picture? Then it becomes an interesting situation. Could those in the organization convince her moving is best for the team? It is a fascinating story that will continue to hover in the background.