Chicago Bears Inch Closer to New Stadium

The Chicago Bears will present conceptual plans for a new stadium and entertainment district at an informational community meeting this week. 

In September 2021, the Bears signed a $197.2 million purchase agreement for the Arlington International Racecourse property — roughly 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. 

• The 326-acre property is the potential site for the new stadium.
• Team officials will present their plans at a local high school in Arlington Heights on Thursday. 

The Bears’ lease at Soldier Field — the team’s home since 1971 — runs until 2033. 

The team has an option to break that lease starting in 2026, but would be forced to pay an $84 million penalty to the city.

A Plan to Stay Put 

The Lakefront Museum Campus Working Group — led by Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot — has recommended that Chicago “explore the feasibility” of a dome atop Soldier Field. The project would allow Soldier Field to host major events like the Super Bowl and possibly keep the Bears within city limits.

Estimated costs for a dome range from $400 million to $1.5 billion, per Sports Business Journal.

Proposals have also included increasing the seating capacity of Soldier Field from 61,500 seats to 70,000.