When you plan to be a major player in a $5 billion proposal to create a mixed-use district, you’re bound to get some objections. The Chicago Bears’ proposed development wrapped around a new stadium on the site of Arlington International Racecourse indeed attracted some complaints, at least the portion about the possible sportsbook, according to Yogonet Gaming News.
Despite concerns from meeting attendees, the Village Board voted a change in zoning to allow a sportsbook.
The Bears would like to move forward with plans for redevelopment by saying yes to the sportsbook. Team reps said it’s a critical part of the development, the Chicago Tribune said. Sportsbooks associated with arenas and stadiums are becoming more commonplace.
“We believe that a sports betting facility will be an integral part of the new stadium development corridor,” Bears General Counsel Cliff Stein said. “This is really state of the art for new developments of professional sport stadiums across the country and it really would put you at a competitive disadvantage (to not have the facility alongside the stadium).”
Arlington Heights trustees made it clear they promised nothing beyond a zoning change. Village leadership has emphasized that so far there is no agreement yet with the Bears and that any plans are in the earliest and more tentative phases of development.
“It is important to note that this ordinance does not approve a sports wagering facility,” the memo retrieved by Chicago Tribune reads.
Trustees also approved a road map agreement on the 326-acre Arlington Park expected to lay out the development agenda.
