The Chicago Bears’ bid to move to Arlington Heights seems legitimate, and not a bluff, the village mayor said Tuesday, after local officials acted to prohibit certain uses but allow a football stadium [at the Arlington International Racecourse site].
“I don’t think this is a negotiating tactic,” Mayor Tom Hayes said. “I do think the Bears are serious about this. It may not come to fruition, but I think they’re seriously considering this.”
While Hayes hasn’t seen the specifics of the Bears’ bid, he said team President Ted Phillips gave him a phone call Thursday to alert him of the team’s proposal to buy and redevelop the property with a new stadium.
