The Chicago Bears have tried to make it seem like they're still deliberating about their plans for the new stadium. However, the recent warning signs have started pointing in the same direction. For over a year, team president Kevin Warren made a strong push to build a new downtown stadium south of Soldier Field, complete with all the bells and whistles. However, he received constant pushback from the Illinois state government and advocacy groups. Progress wasn't being made.
Over the past few months, there has been a steady shift. Talks have intensified with Arlington Heights. Property taxes were worked out. The team began researching traffic and financial ramifications. People became convinced that Warren chose to return to the original plan at Arlington Park. A recent press release from Rolling Meadows Assistant City Manager Glen Cole confirmed it, if you were looking for further proof. Keep in mind that Rolling Meadows is right next door to Arlington Heights. Their township surrounds the projected stadium site on three sides.
This feels like a dead giveaway.
The City of Rolling Meadows is set to hire its project team to support the relocation of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Park. The city borders the potential stadium site on three sides.
“We are on the cusp of achieving a dream that has captured Chicago’s northwest suburban imagination since George S. Halas first proposed moving the Bears to Arlington Park fifty years ago,” said Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica. “Rolling Meadows will be a proud partner to bring this game-changing stadium to life for our community and our region.”
Rolling Meadows has brought together specialists in legislative advocacy, traffic engineering, and acoustic design to strengthen its in-house team. These experts will guide the City’s preparation and support every stage of the Bears stadium project from the review of initial concepts through construction.
Barring a stunning reversal, the Chicago Bears are going to Arlington.
Warren projected that once shovels are in the ground, it would take three years to build the new stadium. Presuming construction begins before the end of 2025 means it should be finished by 2028. If so, it would mark the first time since 1920 that the organization has not had its home in downtown Chicago. It started with Wrigley Field in 1921 before shifting to Soldier Field in 1971. They stayed there for the next 54 years. George Halas tried to move them at various points before that, but the financial and political challenges made it too difficult. Things have changed. The Chicago Bears are much richer than decades past. They have the necessary capital to build a stadium of their own. While it may have required leaving downtown, this feels like the best outcome for everybody.
