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Arlington International Racecourse (WTTW News)
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said Thursday he would be disappointed if the Chicago Bears moved from Soldier Field to the suburbs, qualifying games at the lore lakeside stadium.
“I’m a Bears fan and I know it would be disappointing for me if the Chicago Bears moved out of the city of Chicago. I know I share this point of view with many other Chicago Bears fans, ”Pritzker said at an independent press conference. “There is something about having them in and around town that attracts me, and something that is close to my heart. “
On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears announced they had reached a deal to buy the former Arlington International Racecourse property for $ 197.2 million.
The governor said he did not plan to interfere in talks between the Bears and the city, saying the state was focusing on its fiscal position.
“This is a private company – the Chicago Bears… and I think the Bears and the City of Chicago need to settle their differences so that we end up with the Bears who remain in the city,” said Pritzker.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday vowed to try to reach a deal to keep the Bears at Soldier Field, but acknowledged that there may not be much she could do to stop the team from leaving.
Although the state is not considering any grants, the governor said cities will have to make their own decisions about how to use those funds for a stadium.
If the Bears move to Arlington Heights, they could develop more than 300 acres around the stadium with restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
When asked if such a move – which could also pave the way for hosting a Super Bowl or NCAA tournament – made business sense, the governor kicked off.
“I am not involved in sports teams. I have never been involved in sports teams. Generally speaking, I understand why a sports team would want to host a Super Bowl, and I certainly want a Super Bowl for our Chicago Bears, but I can’t say exactly what they’re looking to do, “said Pritzker. “And I can’t say if what they want to do can be done in the city of Chicago, and again, I think it’s the city that is engaging with the Bears to find a solution.”
The Associated Press contributed.
Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 | [email protected]
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