The Chicago Bears have had a busy week. GM Ryan Poles overhauled the roster yet again with seven waiver wire claims over a 24-hour span. Barely a third of the depth chart has players signed or drafted by the previous regime left. One would think the organization might pause to take a breath. Then again, the Bears have always done things in bunches. That was proven true again as they made a pretty important announcement.
According to Robert McCoppin of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are holding an informational meeting at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights on Friday evening, September 8th. There they will unveil their plans for the 326-acre Arlington Racecourse property, including their highly-anticipated new stadium. This is the latest big step in the process, making fans excited for the future.
“Taking the next step toward building a new stadium, the Chicago Bears Thursday announced an informational community meeting to discuss the potential purchase and development of Arlington International Racecourse.
Team officials in a statement said they’ll present conceptual plans for a transit-oriented, mixed-use entertainment district anchored by a stadium in Arlington Heights that would be one of the largest development projects in Illinois history.
The meeting is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, in the gym at John Hersey High School, at 1900 E. Thomas St. in Arlington Heights.”
The @ChicagoBears have announced that they will be hosting a community meeting at John Hersey High School on Thursday, September 8th, from 7 – 9 p.m., regarding their potential purchase and redevelopment of the Arlington Park Property. https://t.co/MXkGP5Krme pic.twitter.com/plCE1BtmmK
— ArlingtonHeightsIL (@ArlingtonHtsGov) September 1, 2022
The Chicago Bears have left little room for doubt.
Despite what Mayor Lori Lightfoot and others continue to insist, the Bears clearly have no interest in staying at Soldier Field. They’re tired of dealing with the Chicago Park District and having no actual say in the makeup of the stadium and its property. By moving to Arlington Heights, they will finally gain what George Halas himself had dreamed of. That is a building the franchise itself owns. The only hurdle left to clear is funding.
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State officials continue to insist public money won’t be an option. Whether that is actually true remains to be seen. If so, the Chicago Bears have plenty of alternatives, including private investors, of which there will be no shortage. The organization is already worth $5.8 billion. It will be worth far more once the new stadium is built. Considering the architects advising the McCaskey family helped work on the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, this building figures to be gorgeous.
