The Chicago Bears are set to make a major announcement regarding their plans for a new stadium along Chicago’s lakefront. The team will reveal details of a “state-of-the-art, publicly owned enclosed stadium” during a press conference at Soldier Field, their current home. The announcement will also include plans for green and open space along the lakefront, preserving access to the shoreline for families on the Museum Campus.
The proposed stadium is estimated to cost $4.6 billion, with taxpayers expected to finance half of the project. The Bears initially considered building a domed stadium in suburban Arlington Heights but have now shifted their focus to constructing a publicly-owned stadium in Chicago. This move comes amidst opposition from preservation group Friends of the Parks, who have raised concerns about building a new stadium on Museum Campus.
The Bears have pledged up to $2 billion in private funding for the stadium but have not disclosed further financing details. The team faces challenges in securing public infrastructure investment and overcoming past tensions with the park district. Despite these obstacles, Bears President Kevin Warren remains optimistic about the project, emphasizing the importance of momentum, vision, and community support.
While the Bears currently own land in Arlington Heights, their priority is on building a stadium in downtown Chicago. Arlington Heights officials have expressed readiness to continue discussions with the Bears if their plans for the lakefront stadium face opposition. Mayor Tom Hayes believes the Arlington Heights property offers a better fit for the team, aside from the absence of a lake. Stay tuned for more updates on the Bears’ stadium plans as they unfold.