Chicago Bears Reverse Course, Will Not Build Stadium On Arlington Property Course: We Will Not Build a Stadium on Arlington Property

According to multiple press sources, the Chicago Bears are currently preparing to build a new stadium within the municipal limits of Chicago. The Bears purchased Arlington Park and the surrounding site from Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2021 for $197.2 million and announced their intentions to build a stadium there. Since the purchase, the Arlington grandstand has been pulled down, but the Bears did not start the process of developing the property.

Citing a source .com is stating that the Bears are ready to put $2 billion in private money into a publicly owned domed stadium and park space that would have year-round community amenities.

“The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans, and the general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago,” Bears club president and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement. “The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region—boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events, and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing additional information when our plans are finalized.”

According to ESPN.com, the Bears began examining options for a new stadium beyond Arlington Heights last summer when they declared that their plans were “at risk” as negotiations over property taxes hit a $100 million deadlock.

Should the plans to build a stadium in Chicago come to fruition, it is assumed that the Bears will put the Arlington land up for sale.

Dave McCaffrey, the executive director of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, was skeptical that the Bears would truly follow through on the plans to build a stadium within the city boundaries. He believes the announcement may be little more than posturing to secure a better deal.

“Even though they made that announcement, I don’t think Arlington is dead when it comes to building a stadium there,” McCaffrey said. “There are all sorts of political games being played. I don’t think the issue is as definitive as they made it sound in that announcement. They are seeking to get tax credits and public support for a stadium, and the declaration made today is generally the sort of thing individuals do when they are trying to receive money.”

McCaffrey said he doesn’t anticipate any scenario where a new buyer will emerge and establish a racetrack on the site. He emphasized that the current rules in Illinois do not allow for a racino to be developed in Arlington.

“The bears completely destroyed Arlington, and all its accouterments—the water tower, the barns, the dorm rooms, the vet offices—every single piece of anything that was built is gone. It’s just a piece of vacant ground. The amount of money it would take to rebuild a racetrack, barns, dorm quarters, and all else that goes into a racing venue would be a massive investment.”