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The possible move of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights is causing increased controversy, with rumors circulating that local officials may be receiving financial incentives from the team to help with the relocation.
During a meeting on Monday night, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes was accused of potential conflicts of interest by resident Debbie Fisher. She claimed that Hayes and other officials may benefit financially from the proposed relocation of the Bears to the suburbs, which could also involve the addition of a retail Illinois sportsbook at the team’s new site. This information was reported by the Daily Herald.
The story so far
Fisher has consistently opposed the village’s efforts to attract the Bears to Arlington Heights. He finds the suggestion that Mayor Hayes would personally benefit from this offensive.
In March 2021, Fisher referenced a letter from Hayes to Bears chairman George McCaskey, stating, “This was Mayor Hayes’ idea, not ours.” The letter reportedly asked McCaskey to “find a purpose that honors the track’s history.”
Hayes denied the accusation that he was the one who suggested the Bears relocate. He expressed his preference for the racetrack to remain in its current location for another hundred years.
During Monday’s meeting, there was a substantial amount of discussion and debate. Fisher suggested that the fate of the stadium should be decided by a public vote, citing its potential impact on the community. She expressed concerns about taxes, noting that “The Bears have the financial means to handle any expenses.”
Chicago mayoral candidates iffy on Bears move
In downtown Chicago, a fierce battle is taking place: the mayoral runoff election between Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas.
The incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot was unable to secure re-election, leading to a runoff between two new candidates. Lightfoot strongly advocated for keeping the Bears at Soldier Field in the city.
The potential candidates being considered as her replacement are not particularly impressive.
Paul Vallas seems completely willing to consider the possibility of the Bears relocating to the suburbs.
According to NBC5 Chicago, Vallas expressed his disapproval of billion-dollar subsidies for sports teams and strongly opposes investing billions of dollars in renovating Soldier Field.
On the other hand, Brandon Johnson seems dedicated to keeping the Bears in Chicago, but he made it clear that he would not seek subsidies as a solution.
I urge the Chicago Bears’ ownership to have patience as we try to figure out our options. A better, stronger, and safer Chicago is within reach. This gives the new administration an opportunity to share their ideas. However, I want to make it clear that I will not be offering financial assistance. Instead, I will be looking for creative ways to keep the ‘Super Bowl Shuffle’ tradition alive. My ultimate goal is for my son to see a Super Bowl in Chicago.
Is Arlington a done deal?
It is difficult to say for certain if the Bears will move to Arlington, but all signs point in that direction. If Chicago does not actively work to keep the Bears in the city, a relocation is highly likely.
The Bears have purchased the property, but it will take several years of development and construction before the move can actually happen.
The Bears have a lease on Soldier Field that runs until 2033, and ending it early would require a significant payment to the city of Chicago.
