Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot considers the announcement a negotiating tactic and says talks to simply renovate Soldier Field remain open. During a meeting with the Chicago Sun-Times, Lightfoot said
I am a Bears fan. I want the Bears to stay in the city of Chicago. And we are willing to work with them to try to address their concerns. But, I’ve got to do it in a way that is fiscally prudent and doesn’t preclude other uses in that stadium. We are evaluating ways in which we can enhance the fan experience at Soldier Field. … I know that it can be better. I’ve been to other stadiums across the country where the fan experience is far superior to what we have at Soldier Field.
Soldier Field, which is owned by the Chicago Park District, holds 61,500 fans, the smallest capacity in the NFL. The Bears also hope to develop the 326-acre site in Arlington Heights with shopping, dining and entertainment.