Should we expect to see The Bears move to Arlington Heights anytime soon? 

With the Chicago Bears‘ bid for the Arlington International Racecourse, it’s hard not to dwell on whether or not Chicago’s pro-football team will continue playing IN Chicago.  Will this be a situation like the Chicago Wolves: another Chicago team (minor league, sure) that does not play in the city, but rather in the suburb of Rosemont?

Even so, talk of a sports team leaving the city drums up concern.  Just look at the rumors of The Cubs moving to Rosemont…

Anyway, those of you who LOVE seeing the Bears at Soldier Field should not be anywhere near a state of gloom and doom over the Bears suburban bid.  NBC Chicago details the leaps and hurdles the Bears will encounter, should playing in Arlington be their goal…

For one, the Bears are under a lease with Soldier Field that has them locked through 2033.  They would have pay A LOT to get out of that contract.  Then there’s much more monetary negotiating to be done beyond purchasing Arlington Park.  Also, it’s possible the city won’t let them keep CHICAGO in their team name.  You think the Bears really want to be known as the Arlington Bears?..

Basically, The Bears are going to need to negotiate hard, have a BUNCH of money (whether it’s theirs or comes from donating companies) and time to make a move happen.  Don’t expect to be driving out to the burbs anytime soon to catch your next Bears game.