I’m pretty versed on the situation. I’ve been to Soldier on numerous occasions, and it’s a shit stadium. It is leased from the Chicago Park District. Public transportation to get to the stadium is god awful and most fans have to walk over a mile to get to the stadium. Then, they also have a total idiot for a mayor who laughs in their face at the idea of leaving. Except for, now when they take a critical first step, she’s fighting a losing public relations battle saying the Bears haven’t approached her with any requests. She was playing a losing game of chicken.
The Arlington Heights site has been rumored for years. I am against this as it is likely coming at the expense of one of the most beautiful horse racing venues in the world. The area that they have purchased is huge and contains much more land than they’d ever require for the stadium, even with Parking included. Along with development opportunities, there may even still be room for a racetrack, though that’s unlikely. There is also a train from the city and burbs that goes directly to the site. It is definitely not a “for show” move. The city of Chicago will be paying a large ransom if they’re to retain the Bears at this point. I don’t see Arlington Heights shelling out a lot of money for the Bears as the taxes are already crazy, but the site has amazing potential for development.