The Chicago Bears have unveiled plans for a new lakefront stadium, located just steps away from their current home at Soldier Field. The fully enclosed, 77,000-seat stadium would be built on the site of the current South parking lot and would include 14 acres of sports fields, park spaces, and public green space. The Bears are committed to contributing $2B toward the project, with the remaining $2.6B coming from public funding. While Mayor Brandon Johnson supports the plan, Governor J.B. Pritzker remains skeptical.
Results for: Lakefront
The Chicago Bears, one of the National Football League’s (NFL) oldest franchises, have unveiled plans for a new stadium project on the Chicago lakefront. The proposal involves a $4.6 billion stadium with a translucent ETFE roof and clear glass windows overlooking downtown, as well as 14 acres of athletic fields and recreational park space. The project would be partly funded by a hotel tax and the remaining balance would be paid over 40 years, requiring approval from the Illinois State Legislature. The new stadium aims to replace the 100-year-old Soldier Field and provide the Bears with a state-of-the-art facility comparable to other modern NFL stadiums. However, the proposal faces skepticism from various parties, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who has expressed concerns about the use of public funds. Additionally, the Bears must address legal challenges related to lakefront protection ordinances that prioritize public use of the area.
The Chicago Bears have unveiled plans for a new state-of-the-art stadium on the city’s lakefront, aiming to replace Soldier Field with a modern venue capable of hosting major sporting events. However, the proposal has sparked concerns over public funding, with sources indicating the project could cost $4.6 billion, with the Bears requesting $2.3 billion in public financing. City and state officials have expressed reluctance to provide taxpayer funds, while the advocacy group Friends of the Parks remains opposed to development on the lakefront. Despite these challenges, the Bears remain committed to building a new stadium in Chicago, with the Arlington Park property still a potential alternative.
The Chicago Bears have announced plans to build a new enclosed stadium on the city’s lakefront, abandoning previous plans to relocate to the suburbs. The statement released by the team indicates that city officials are on board and will participate in Wednesday’s announcement. The stadium will include additional green and open space with access to the lakefront for families and fans.