(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Officials in northwest suburban Arlington Heights insist their village could still land a Chicago Bears stadium, even though the team appeared to pivot toward a site near Soldier Field.
The Bears organization on Monday said it was prepared to put $2 billion in private money toward a domed stadium on Chicago's lakefront, which many observers take as a serious commitment to remaining. The concept could face a legal challenge, however, from parks advocates.
Arlington Heights officials say the village is still in the game.
"Village officials spoke with the Chicago Bears Football Club today, and while they are evaluating all of their options, they confirmed that their continued interest in Arlington Park has not changed," a Monday statement from the village said.
The Bears organization bought the former Arlington International Racecourse last year for nearly $200 million and demolished the horse track's grandstand. When the team met some turbulence from tax officials about the value of the property, it took a second look at staying in Chicago, where Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed interest in a potential deal. It presumably would require some kind of public assistance.
"We have all experienced the many twists and turns that this project has taken over the past three years and we find ourselves in a very similar situation today," Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said in a prepared statement. "The Village has always acted in good faith and partnership with the Chicago Bears and the School Districts throughout this discussion, while protecting our community's interests, and we will continue to do so as the process moves ahead."
The Bears' lease at Soldier Field, an open air venue, expires in 2033.
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