The Chicago Bears play in one of the NFL’s smallest stadiums and have been seeking changes to the iconic venue for years, but it is their pursuit of a new stadium project in suburban Arlington Heights that has captured the attention of fans around the country.
In Sept. 2021, the Bears reached an agreement to purchase the site of the former Arlington International Racecourse, and the team has hired architects to help design a stadium that could house the team in the future.
Meanwhile, the city of Chicago has said that it intends to fight to keep the Bears at Soldier Field, going so far as to propose an ambitious new plan for redeveloping the lakefront property that currently houses the team.
Here is a timeline of events as the saga has unfolded.
Feb. 23, 2021: Owners of Arlington International Racecourse Announce Intent to Sell Property
Churchill Downs Inc. announced that they intended to sell the 326-acre property that housed the racetrack in early 2021, paving the way for bids to potentially redevelop the site.
The track, which opened in 1927, had housed horse racing for nearly a century, but is now just the latest site to shut down, joining the former Balmoral Park race track.
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June 17, 2021: Bears Submit Bid to Purchase Arlington International Racecourse
As Arlington Heights officials and Churchill Downs began to solicit bids for the property, the Bears officially jumped into the fray, submitting a bid to purchase the site for the purposes of potentially building a new suburban stadium.
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“It’s our obligation to explore every possible option to ensure we’re doing what’s best for our organization and its future,” CEO Ted Phillips said in a statement. “If selected, this step allows us to further evaluate the property and its potential.”
Sept. 28, 2021: Bears Reach Purchase Agreement for Arlington International Racecourse
Despite having a lease at Soldier Field that currently runs through 2033, the Bears reached an agreement with Churchill Downs to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse site in the fall of 2021.
The deal is still in the process of being worked out, but the agreement represented a significant step in the process of the team potentially leaving Chicago.
Oct. 2021: Bears Begin Zoning Talks for Stadium Project
According to the Daily Herald, the Bears began talks on local zoning and permit approvals with Arlington Heights officials in Oct. 2021.
Jan. 10, 2022: Bears Say Sale is on Track, Could Close by Early 2023
Phillips held a press conference in early 2022 to announce the firings of former head coach Matt Nagy and former GM Ryan Pace, but also updated the public on the team’s negotiations to buy the former Arlington racecourse site.
“The closing on the land is probably going to take the rest of the year, maybe into the first quarter of 2023,” he said. “And at that point in time, we will decide whether it’s financially feasible to try to develop it further.”
March 17, 2022: Bears Hire Architectural Firm to Help Design Potential New Stadium
According to the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times, the Bears hired Manica Architecture to draw up plans for a new stadium at the Arlington Heights site.
July 6, 2022: City of Chicago Proposes New Dome Over Soldier Field, Other Lakeshore Improvements
As part of the city’s pitch to keep the Bears at Soldier Field, officials revealed an extensive redevelopment plan for the area around Soldier Field.
Most notably, that proposal included the idea of building a dome over the stadium, along with removing Burnham Harbor and replacing it with parking “floating pavilions.”
The Northerly Island concert venue would also be moved to Soldier Field’s north lawn, and other projects, including a new hotel and improved public transit access, were revealed.
Finally, giving the Bears the opportunity to possibly sell naming rights to the stadium was also floated.
July 8, 2022: Bears Reject Idea of Soldier Field Renovations
In short order, the Bears dismissed the project, saying that the only project the team would pursue was the “new stadium development” in Arlington Heights.
In a statement to the Daily Herald, a team spokesman announced that the Bears’ purchase agreement precludes them from pursuing alternate sites, and that does include any changes to Soldier Field.
July 25, 2022: Chicago Unveils 3 Proposed Renovations for Soldier Field
As Chicago looks to keep the Bears playing at Soldier Field, with the team currently considering a new stadium outside the city, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has unveiled three potential renovation plans for the iconic stadium, including expanded seat options and the possible addition of a dome.
"Not surprisingly, we are doing what we believe is making a compelling case for the Chicago Bears to stay in Chicago. They want a tier one stadium environment to maximize revenues, and we agree that we are going to keep making the case to the Bears, the NFL and public that a revitalized Soldier Field makes the most economic sense for that storied franchise," Lightfoot said during an address Monday.
Lightfoot said that while the renovations will benefit the historic venue, regardless of the team's decision to stay or go, it could save the team more than $1 billion when compared to the cost of building a new stadium.
"What's also important Soldier Field remains a highly desired venue by many other sports activities, music and more," she said. "It's important to note that each of these scenarios will allow us to continue benefitting from Soldier Field regardless of whether or not the Bears choose to stay or go - and of course we hope that they choose to stay. But should Bears choose to stay in our city, Soldier Field will be a top 10 tier stadium with a number of new features. But should they choose to leave, Soldier Field will continue to be a premier multipurpose venue that is able to host an array of important and exciting events."
The proposal includes the idea of building a dome over Soldier Field so it could be used year-round, along with removing Burnham Harbor and replacing it with parking “floating pavilions.” Giving the Bears the opportunity to possibly sell naming rights to the stadium was also floated.
For full details on the proposals, fans can visit this link.
