Mayors, State Rep. to Pitch Bringing Bears to Arlington Heights

Local leaders to host press conference highlighting benefits of proposed Bears stadium redevelopment

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A group of local officials and business leaders in the Arlington Heights area will hold a press conference this Wednesday to make the case for the Chicago Bears' proposed redevelopment of the former Arlington Park racetrack site. The speakers will address the economic, infrastructure, and community impacts of the project and the urgency of passing state legislation to keep the development in Illinois, as Indiana is aggressively trying to lure the Bears across the border.

Why it matters

The proposed Bears stadium and mixed-use development would be a major economic boost for the Arlington Heights area, but the team is also considering a site near Hammond, Indiana. Local leaders are rallying to convince state lawmakers to support the project and prevent it from moving out of Illinois.

The details

The press conference will be hosted by Touchdown Arlington, a group of local business leaders and residents, and Chicago Northwest, an organization of business leaders from several northwest suburbs. Speakers will include Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia, Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica, State Rep. Mary Beth Canty, and representatives from the hosting organizations. They will highlight the potential benefits of the project and urge state legislators to pass enabling legislation to move the development forward in Illinois.

  • The press conference will be held this Wednesday, February 9, 2026.
  • The Chicago Bears have been negotiating with the village of Arlington Heights for the last three years about moving the franchise from Soldier Field to a new multi-billion dollar stadium on the 326-acre former Arlington Park racetrack site.
  • About two years ago, the Bears purchased the former racetrack property, but a decision on state funding has not been made, and Indiana is actively trying to lure the team to a site near Hammond.

The players

Jim Tinaglia

The mayor of Arlington Heights.

Lara Sanoica

The mayor of Rolling Meadows.

Mary Beth Canty

An Illinois state representative.

Heather Larson

A representative of Chicago Northwest, an organization of business leaders from several northwest suburbs.

Ernie Rose

A representative of Touchdown Arlington, a group of local business leaders and residents supporting the Bears' proposal.

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What’s next

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