Bears trying to buy Arlington International Racecourse |
There is a chance that the Bears will be moving out of Soldier Field eventually.
The Chicago Bears announced on Thursday that they have put in a bid to purchase the 326 acres at the Arlington International Racecourse. President and CEO Ted Phillips released the following statement: "We recently submitted a bid to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse property. It's our obligation to explore every possible option to ensure we're doing what's best for our organization and its future. If selected, this step allows us to further evaluate the property and its potential." Currently, Soldier Field is the smallest stadium in the NFL with only a capacity of just 61,500. The Bears have played at the iconic site since 1971. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released her own statement after hearing the news of the bid by the Bears. "We want the organization to focus on putting a winning team on the field, beating the Packers finally, and being relevant past October." Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) says the #Bears bid on Arlington Park is "a negotiating tactic." The Chicago Bears have announced a bid to purchase the Arlington Intl. Racecourse property in Arlington Heights, Ill ??
She then drops the hammer: "We want the organization to focus on putting a winning team on the field, beating the Packers finally, and being relevant past October." pic.twitter.com/0XQdS2Epb6
"It's our obligation to explore every possible option..." - Team President Ted Phillips
The Bears' lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033. pic.twitter.com/1tknwmnTHI