The Chicago Bears have called Soldier Field home for almost 40 years, but the future of that relationship appears to be on rocky ground pursues a potential new stadium on the site of Arlington International Racecourse.
On Wednesday, the team announced that it has agreed to buy the property in Arlington Heights for roughly $197 million. The purchase will take time to complete, similar to closing on a house, but Churchill Downs selected the Bears’ bid and is moving toward finalizing the sale.
“[It’s] the critical next step in continuing our exploration of the property and its potential,” team president Ted Phillips said in a statement.