Will the Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights?
The team announced yesterday that it had submitted a bid to purchase the property at Arlington International Racecourse (approx. 31 miles from Soldier Field in Chicago.) Statement from Chicago Bears President & CEO Ted Phillips: pic.twitter.com/5ACDDtccWU  Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 17, 2021  Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes issued a statement of his own welcoming the Bears interest in the site. It is a one-of-a-kind location, and we are glad that the Bears ownership sees its tremendous potential," Hayes said. "The Village will be working with the listing broker to closely review proposals by all potential users in the coming months. Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears  The Bears have played their home games at Soldier Field since 1971. Their lease at the stadium runs through 2033. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a statement that said numerous organizations are doubling down on their commitment to the city as it recovers from the pandemic and that we expect the Chicago Bears to follow through.  On the Bears bid to buy Arlington Racecourse... pic.twitter.com/FE6mBHB50U  Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) June 17, 2021  Other instances of the Bears proposing a move away from downtown Chicago  1975 - The Bears look at land in Elk Grove and Arlington Heights for a new stadium. January 1978 - Chicago Mayor Michael Bilandic proposes a new sports stadium due to Soldier Field "feeling antiquated." December 1979 - Chicago Bears president George Halas considers playing home games at the University of Notre Dame. January 1991 - Chicago Mayor Paul Netzel proposes a new site by Dupage County Airport. January 1991 - Illinois Gov. James Thompson and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley ordered plan to begin incorporating a domed stadium nicknamed McDome. April 1995 - The Bears latest proposal calls for a $285 million, 74,000-seat stadium to be financed primarily by public funds with three sites  two in the suburbs and one in the city. November 1995 - The Chicago Bears mull an offer from a group called the Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland Entertainment Inc. to move into a $205 million open-air stadium, tentatively named Planet Park.  Aug 1998 - The Bears signed a letter of intent that gives them about 18 months to decide whether to buy Allen Busses 69 acres of land, just off the Northwest Tollway near the intersection of Higgins Road and Oakton Street in Elk Grove Village. There was mixed reaction across social media, ranging from excitement about the possibility of a new state-of-the-art stadium to disappointment about leaving a historic field and moving an hour outside of the city. justin fields is getting the opportunity to literally build the bears next stadium. only goats get that chance. bears in 4 https://t.co/0NyATEafvw  DOM (@DOM_Frederic) June 17, 2021  I have too many fond memories of Soldier Field to be unbiased about this, especially since I've always visited it as an out-of-towner. I have no idea what it's *really* like to park there, to walk there, etc. https://t.co/Gk6t7IT14F  Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) June 17, 2021  Soldier Field is the worst stadium in the NFL. If it means moving to the suburbs to replace it, the Bears have to do it. https://t.co/l91vPxSVuQ  Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) June 17, 2021  No matter what land the Bears buy, they still will have to buy their way out of their lease with Soldier Field if they want to move. And that lease runs through 2033. https://t.co/52a5fo14uj  Dan Pompei (@danpompei) June 17, 2021  Edited by jay.loke710