Chicago Bears present Arlington Heights with plans for multi-use stadium - Axios ChicagoLog InLog InAxios Chicago is an Axios company.

Bears move on Arlington

Halas Hall. Photo: Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The Bears just presented to the Village of Arlington Heights plans for a multi-use stadium and entertainment district on the 326-acre plot of the now-closed Arlington Park racetrack. Why it matters: The Bears, who have an agreement with Churchill Downs to buy the tract, would abandon 98-year-old Soldier Field to build their own stadium in the NW suburbs. Driving the news: The franchise held an informational meeting at Hersey High School last night to show Arlington Heights residents preliminary renderings and proposals. The plan calls for an "enclosed" stadium and a district that would include restaurants, retail and housing. Arlington Heights has hired two consulting firms to conduct economic and transportation impact studies; the Bears will reimburse the village, officials say. What they're saying: "We want to be good neighbors,” Bears owner George McCaskey . "We want to make sure that we’re one of the ones that is successful." Context: After years of leasing Soldier Field, the Bears have signaled they want more seats and the ability to attract big events, like the Super Bowl. Yes, but: Even though the Bears have publicly said they won't need public funding to build the stadium, financing the surrounding entertainment district may be a different story. The team would be looking for public mixed-use development subsidies for one of the largest developments in Illinois history, potentially creating. "We look forward to partnering with the various governmental bodies to secure additional funding," the team wrote in a statement. Flashback: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in July proposed a to keep the Bears at Soldier Field. The franchise responded, "The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park." The other side: A political advocacy group is petitioning the Arlington Heights Village Board , which is aimed at stopping this development. And . Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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