Residents of Arlington Heights woke up Wednesday to the news that the Chicago Bears in a few years could be making the northwest suburb their home.
The Bears have signed a purchase agreement for Arlington International Racecourse, the near-century-old facility that likely hosted its final horse race last Saturday.
The move by the Bears is not a done deal. And some in the village might not want to get their hopes too high. About 50 years ago, the Bears floated the idea of moving there.
But this week’s agreement brings the team a step closer toward securing property for a new stadium and leaving their longtime home at Soldier Field.
Downtown Arlington Heights features a small park, condos, retail shopping and dining on Sept. 29, 2021. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Tim Groder, owner of Peggy Kinnane’s Irish Restaurant and Pub, said a Bears move to Arlington Heights, “could only do great things for the economy out here.”
“They’re planning to build a state-of-the-art stadium, so the pre- and postgame crowd will probably be big.”
Across the street at Armand’s Pizzeria, owner Michael Caringella was equally enthusiastic.
“I’m sorry the track closed, because I loved it, but bringing the Bears here will be great for the community, the businesses, for everyone. It’s a win-win, and I don’t know when it will happen, but I’m all for it,” Caringella said.
But Arlington Heights resident Shannon Distel said she’s “not looking forward to the traffic and construction.”
“I would have been happier if they were using the site for more affordable housing and green space, but I do think bringing the Bears here will be good for the community, and from what I’ve heard, they’ve outgrown Soldier Field,” Distel said.
Arlington Heights resident Mark Heffernan said he sees a lot of opportunity from bringing the Bears to the village, as well as benefits to the entire northwest suburban area.
“A new stadium would provide a better experience for families, and for the Bears, too,” he said.
“You’ve got the Metra right there, and (Route) 53, so much space for parking and I-90 is right there. I’m going to miss the track, even though I never gambled there, but I’d take my kids. I’m looking forward to not just the Bears, but more family experiences.”
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said he “could not be more excited.”
“My goal for any redevelopment has always been to put this prime piece of real estate to its highest and best use, and I can’t think of a higher and better use than this one,” Hayes said in a statement. “There is a long way to go as we begin this journey, and many issues for the community to discuss, but the Village is committed to working with the Bears organization and all stakeholders to explore this opportunity for Arlington Heights and the northwest suburban region.”
Arlington Park International racecourse in Arlington Heights on Sept. 29, 2021. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Former Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder, who served 20 years until 2013, and served more recently on the Illinois Racing Board, said she was sorry to see Arlington International Racecourse close, but glad to see the Bears make a bid to move.
“It’s sad to see it,” she said of the track closing. “We do have a lot of Bears fans in Arlington Heights, so that might be a good use for some of the property.”
As a farmer’s daughter who grew up in California riding ponies, she said she appreciates people who work in that field, but said it may be time to move on.
Her village, she said, “is not full of rich people, but it’s a great place to raise a family.”
Arlington Heights is an upper middle-class suburb. The village reports that it has about 76,000 residents, and a median household income of $88,000. It’s about a 45-minute drive from downtown Chicago with no traffic, but can be almost twice that long during rush hour.
The village is home to about 4,000 businesses, including Northrop Grumman Corp., Northwest Community Hospital, a new Amazon package distribution center and numerous mom-and-pop businesses.
People dine outdoors in one of the many restaurants in downtown Arlington Heights on Sept. 29, 2021. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)
Jon Ridler, executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, said the organization is ready to work with the Bears and any other businesses on developing the site.
“I think it’s going to be another great asset for not only Arlington Heights but surrounding communities,” he said. “When you have something like the Bears in your area, it increases awareness of the community and the region, not only for tourism, but for businesses that want to locate here.”
Ridler hopes the site would also host other entertainment venues such as concerts or other sports with hotels, restaurants and other hospitality business, to make it a destination beyond the 10 or so Bears games a year.
Ridler also manages the business chambers for neighboring Palatine, Mount Prospect and Rolling Meadows, and says they all welcome the Bears.
State Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, whose district includes Arlington Heights, said he will “look forward to working with the Chicago Bears and Arlington Heights on this exciting project that in addition to a modern stadium will potentially bring Super Bowls, Final Fours, NCAA football championships, and other large revenue generators to our region.”
“I have been going to Chicago Bears games since I was 10 years old. In fact, at my first game, I saw the greatest Bear of all time, Walter Payton, set the NFL rushing mark,” Carroll said. “While I have many great memories of Soldier Field, it’s become more and more evident over the years that the Bears have outgrown the stadium.”
kcullotta@chicagotribune.com
rmccoppin@chicagotribune.com
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