Editorial: The Good News Bears, with a home in the suburbs

Since the beginning of the talk about the Chicago Bears moving to Arlington Heights, there have been plenty of doubters - those who assume the team is merely using the village to get a better deal in Chicago.

And we suspect, even after the Bears signed an agreement with Arlington Park owner Churchill Downs to buy the track - with all the promise that purchase holds for the village and the Northwest suburbs - there are doubters still.

That's understandable.

The Bears have made overtures to Arlington Heights as well as to other suburbs several times in the past and, of course, those approaches never turned into anything real.

The current approach has a long way to go and many obstacles to hurdle before it becomes a reality.

There no doubt are several opt-outs in the deal, and the closing on the sale is not expected for another year or two. Given political realities, it would be hard to imagine the state offering up anything in the way of incentives.

But we take the Bears at their word. We believe their interest most likely is genuine.

The reason we do is the Bears would be practically malfeasant from a business standpoint to pass on the move. A stadium - with all the supplemental development that could be built around it - is a once-in-a-generation opportunity the franchise cannot ignore.

Have you seen what the Ricketts family has built around Wrigley Field? The Arlington Park parcel offers even more potential.

Will Chicago officials apply pressure? Sure. Will they make counteroffers? Certainly. But Soldier Field is hindered by severe limitations, and workable alternative sites in the city will be difficult to find.

We concede it is not impossible, though. City officials may be able to figure out a proposal so spectacular that the Bears would have to bite. Not easy, but yeah, we concede it's possible.

Until then, however, it is game on for the suburbs.

From the beginning of the announcement that Arlington Park was up for sale, we have encouraged village officials to think big.

We are heartened that they obviously have. Congratulations to Mayor Tom Hayes, the village board and the village staff for the progress that has been made so far.

But don't stop now.

The pride and joy. This move is transformative - for the Bears, for the village and for the suburbs. Let's make it happen.