DePaul Considers A. Finkl for Blue Demons Arena Site

DePaul University has been in talks for two weeks with the owner of a site located along the North Branch of the Chicago River, which could be a potential home for the school's basketball arena, according to reports. 

City of Chicago officials have, too, joined the conversations, according to a Chicago Tribune report, but it says a spokesman for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel denied participation in any meeting.

Discussions are reportedly centered on A. Finkl & Sons Co., 2011 North Southport Ave.

The story says:

Bruce Liimatainen, chairman and chief executive of A. Finkl & Sons Co., on Tuesday said DePaul has been in contact with his company in the last two weeks about the possibility of building an arena on 22 acres the steelmaker is vacating as it moves production to the city's South Side. ...

"All of these are just discussions; we aren't out trying to market (the site)," Liimatainen said while giving a tour of the company's new factory at 1355 E. 93rd St.

DePaul recently ruled out the United Center as an option for its Blue Demons players despite owners offering a decade of free rent.

READ: DePaul Reportedly Rejects United Center Proposal

 A property north of McCormick Place has also been thrown in the mix. It's expected to go on the auction market later this month.

• Check out the Tribune story for more information.

Follow us on Facebook!