(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The Chicago Bears are zeroing in on a plan to build a domed football stadium in what is now the south parking lot of Soldier Field instead of using land it purchased in Arlington Heights, according to a published report Friday.
Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business says team executives have moved closer to the idea of staying in Chicago, in part because of the team’s improved relationship with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, compared to that of his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot.
He said sources “all tell me the same thing: the new president of the team, Kevin Warren, is very serious about city efforts, that they’ve kind of soured on Arlington Heights for a variety of reasons.”
“They’re in show business, after all,” Hinz told WBBM Newsradio. “You want a glitzy backdrop, and the lakefront is a better backdrop than Arlington Heights.”
Reached Friday, Arlington Heights Mayor Thomas Hayes said he believes his northwest suburban community remains the frontrunner in efforts to land a new Bears stadium.
Hinz said sources tell him the Bears have suggested converting the existing Soldier Field into park facilities for the public. But parks advocates have previously blocked attempts to build new construction on the lakefront, and the Bears likely would run into similar opposition if they seek to erect a stadium there, Hinz said.
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