Chicago Bears put in bid to buy Arlington International Racecourse

“It’s our obligation to explore every possible option to ensure we’re doing what’s best for our organization and its future.

Arlington Heights was considered for a home by the Bears in the 1970s and again in the ’80s, but they settled in the popular museum campus area directly south of downtown with its view of Lake Michigan.

She added: “As a season ticketholder and longtime Bears fan, I am committed to keep the ‘Chicago’ name in our football team.

Soldier Field, which underwent a $690 million renovation in 2002 that forced the Bears to play home games at the University of Illinois in Champaign, is owned by the Chicago Park District.

The ability of the grass playing field to hold up through the colder and wetter months has also been the subject of complaints from players and coaches over the years.

The horse track, which opened in 1927, is on a 326-acre site and is currently owned by Churchill Downs, the organization that runs the Kentucky Derby.

The next-oldest stadium in the league behind Soldier Field is Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, which opened in 1957.

…Read the full story