(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Officials with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce are nothing short of excited with the news the Chicago Bears intend to buy the Arlington International Racecourse property.
“On the business side of it, it absolutely makes sense,” chamber executive president Jon Ridler said Wednesday. “It just looks like the right time and the right place for the Bears to make that move, and we're very hopeful that it continues to move forward.”
The 326-acre property is located just off of Illinois Route 53 and includes the Arlington Park Metra stop.
Ridler notes the sale isn’t final, but local small business owners are already getting excited about the potential economic boost.
“To have them have this little piece of good news and that little light at the end of the tunnel can get them to start dreaming again,” he said.
Churchill Downs decided to cease horse racing in Arlington Heights, bringing an end to decades of the sport there, and focus on other properties.
The prospect of landing the Chicago Bears has offset many of the concerns that decision created for the northwest suburb.
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