Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin sent a “letter of interest” this week inviting Bears President Kevin Warren to “consider Illinois’ second-largest city as a destination for the multibillion-dollar dome of their dreams,” according to Mitchell Armentrout of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Irvin, in the letter, wrote the opportunity to partner with the Bears as "you search for the perfect new home is one we are eager to take on.” Irvin noted his city’s "'easy access' off Interstate 88 and Metra’s BNSF line" as part of "the exciting opportunity Aurora can bring" to the Bears. An Aurora spokesperson said that team representatives “'responded quickly and positively' to Aurora’s entreaty." With Aurora's letter to the Bears, that makes it a “five-man front showing interest in hosting the team long term.” Arlington Heights “still figures as the favorite” for the team’s future home since the organization spent $197M for the shuttered Arlington International Racecourse (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/28).