Outlet mall, ultimate fighting coming to Rosemont, mayor says

Rosemont already has a strong grip on the suburban tourism market with its hotels and entertainment offerings.

Hold on, there's more on the way, acting Mayor Bradley Stephens said Wednesday.

An outlet mall twice as large as one in Aurora might be locating behind the Rosemont Theatre off Balmoral Avenue, abutting the Tri-State Tollway.

"We're close to having a purchase contract," Stephens said.

Within a month, two new hotels have landed in the town adjacent to O'Hare International Airport. And a high-tech business is looking at building a new 120,000-square-foot office building with a 400-car parking garage just west of the new InterContinental hotel.

"Rosemont is pro-development," Stephens said in a State of the Village address. "Together, we can continue to keep Rosemont the place to do business, and do it well."

A casino developer with the nod of Rosemont also will apply for the state's last gaming license by the Oct. 14 deadline. The license is expected to be awarded by the end of the year.

There are also new entertainment events on the horizon.

Next month, Rosemont will get host the first ultimate fighting event since the state lifted the ban on the controversial sport last year.

Allstate Arena will host the state's first Ultimate Fighting Championship event Oct. 25.

Ultimate fighting is defined as mixed martial arts competition between high level professional fighters who tap into jujitsu, karate, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and other forms in live events.

Stephens, appointed acting mayor after the death of his father last year, also said Wednesday he'll run for election next spring. Mayor Donald E. Stephens had led the tiny town as mayor since 1956. Bradley Stephens' trustee seat, left vacant since last year, also will be up next spring.