The Chicago Bears are one of the most iconic teams in the National Football League (NFL). With a long and storied history of success, the team has become a staple of the sport and has consistently been one of the top franchises in the league. With the recent acquisition of Arlington Race Track, the question arises: did the Chicago Bears purchase Arlington Race Track?
Background of the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears were founded in 1919 and have since become one of the most successful and beloved teams in the NFL. The team has won nine NFL championships, including one Super Bowl, and has produced numerous Hall of Fame players. Led by legendary coach George Halas, the Bears have been a consistent presence in the NFL, and have become a symbol of toughness and tenacity.
History of Arlington Race Track
Arlington Race Track is a thoroughbred horse racing track located in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It opened in 1927 and is one of the oldest continuously operating race tracks in the United States. The track is a major venue for thoroughbred racing and has hosted the prestigious Arlington Million since its inception in 1981. The track also features numerous other horse racing events throughout the year, including the Chicago Derby, the Arlington Classic, and the Arlington Sprint.
Did the Chicago Bears Purchase Arlington Race Track?
The answer to this question is a resounding “no.” Despite rumors that the Chicago Bears had purchased the Arlington Race Track, the truth is that the team has not purchased the race track. The Bears have, however, been involved in several other ventures related to the race track, including the construction of a new stadium and the purchase of naming rights.
The Chicago Bears Stadium at Arlington Race Track
In 2014, the Chicago Bears, in conjunction with the Arlington Heights Park District, announced that they would be constructing a new stadium at the Arlington Race Track. The stadium, which was completed in 2019, is the home of the Chicago Bears and features seating for 61,500 fans. The stadium is a state-of-the-art facility and has hosted numerous events, including the Bears’ home games and the 2019 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears Naming Rights Agreement
In 2017, the Chicago Bears and the Arlington Heights Park District announced a naming rights partnership between the two organizations. Under the agreement, the park district agreed to pay the Bears $4 million over the next 10 years for the naming rights to the stadium. As part of the agreement, the Bears also agreed to help promote the race track and its events.
Advantages of the Chicago Bears Naming Rights Agreement
The naming rights agreement between the Chicago Bears and the Arlington Heights Park District has been beneficial for both organizations. For the Bears, the agreement has provided them with additional revenue and has helped to increase the team’s brand recognition. For the park district, the agreement has helped to promote the race track and its events, and has helped to increase attendance at the events.
Other Ventures of the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have been involved in numerous other ventures outside of the Arlington Race Track. The team has been involved in the construction of a new training facility, the renovation of Soldier Field, and the launch of the Bears 100th Anniversary celebration. The team has also been involved in several philanthropic efforts, including the Bears Care charity and the Bears Huddle program.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “did the Chicago Bears purchase Arlington Race Track?” is a resounding “no.” However, the Bears have been involved in several other ventures related to the track, including the construction of a new stadium and the purchase of naming rights. The team has also been involved in numerous other ventures outside of the track, including the construction of a new training facility, the renovation of Soldier Field, and the launch of the Bears 100th Anniversary celebration.
Overall, the Chicago Bears have had a long history of involvement with the Arlington Race Track and the surrounding area, but have not purchased the track itself.