Mayor Lori Lightfoot says Bears will end up where they started: at renovated Soldier Field

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has proposed putting a dome over a renovated and enlarged Soldier Field. There could also be sponsorship opportunities for areas inside the stadium. “I’m excited for the opportunity for us to make the business case to have the Bears stay in our city.” Lightfoot said. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Thursday that she believes the Bears will end up right where they started — staying put at a renovated, domed Soldier Field — even after spending $197.2 million to acquire the Arlington International Racecourse site.

Until now, the Bears have been barred from talking to the city. So long as they had an option to purchase the 326-acre racecourse site, they were bound to negotiate exclusively with Arlington Heights.