The Chicago Bears are moving to suburbia, where they could be called the Arlington Heights Bears. The team’s management announced Thursday that it was moving to to the surburbs, where they have plans to build a glitzy new stadium.

Last fall, we released an open letter confirming the team had agreed to acquire 36 acres of property in Arlington Heights to secure the potential of beginning a new and exciting chapter for the Bears, our fans, the Chicagoland community, and the State of Illinois. 

This week, we took another step toward realizing that vision by closing on the Arlington Park property. Finalizing the purchase does not guarantee the land will be developed, but it is an important next step in our ongoing evaluation of the opportunity.

If the team does proceed with the purchase of the Arlington Park property, and if the Bears organization then chooses to proceed with the development of the property, the project will be one of the largest development projects in Illinois state history. 

We envision a multi-purpose entertainment district anchored by a new, best-in-class enclosed stadium, providing Chicagoland with a new home worthy of hosting global events such as the Super Bowl, College Football Playoffs, and Final Four.

We are taking serious steps to evaluate the unique opportunity presented to us. 

The Bears remain committed to Soldier Field and will honor the terms of its lease. While the prospect of a transit-oriented mixed-use and entertainment district anchored by a new enclosed stadium is exciting for the Bears and the entire state, much work must be done before we can close on the property, and then, whether we will develop it.

We look forward to working with key partners and stakeholders across the Chicagoland community and the State of Illinois in the months ahead.