• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 25, 2025

Chicago Mayor Unveils $2B Proposals to Upgrade Soldier Field

  • Proposals include constructing a dome at Soldier Field at a cost of up to $2.2 billon.
  • The Bears are committed to building a new stadium in a Chicago suburb.
Soldier Field
Landmark Development

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot made three proposals to renovate Soldier Field to keep the Bears at the historic stadium on Monday. 

“An improved Soldier Field will deliver a world-class visitor experience,” Lightfoot said in a statement. “Furthermore, any of these proposed renovations will allow Soldier Field to retain its role as an economic engine for Chicago for years to come, as these changes will allow us to keep bringing sports, music and other exciting events to our city.”  

The most ambitious project would turn Soldier Field from an open-air to a domed stadium. The options — which run from $900 million to $2.2 billion — made public include: 

  • Fully enclosing the stadium with result end zone columns to support the roof.
  • Rebuilding the end zone columns so Soldier Field could be upgraded to a dome at a later time.
  • Creating a multi-purpose stadium that is “better suited for soccer” and other events like concerts. 

The Museum Campus Working Group, an entity led by Lightfoot, made the recommendations aimed to keep the Bears from moving to the Chicago suburb of Arlington. The team purchased the 326-acre Arlington International Racecourse last year. 

The proposals include increasing the seating capacity of Soldier Field from 61,500 seats up to 70,000, bumping up the suites from 133 to 140, adding six major club/experiential areas, and quadrupling the food and beverage square footage. 

But the Bears aren’t biting. Yet. 

The team pointed reporters to a statement issued on July 7 that said the Bears “are not pursuing alternative stadium deals or sites, including renovations to Soldier Field, while we are under contract.”

“We have informed the City of Chicago that we intend to honor our contractual commitments as we continue our due diligence and predevelopment activities on the Arlington Heights property,” the statement continued. 

The Bears’ lease at Soldier Field expires in 2033, although there’s an $84 million buyout that can be exercised if they decide to break the lease as early as 2026.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 4, 2025; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) runs drills at the University of Colorado NFL Showcase at the CU Indoor Practice Facility.

Shedeur Sanders Not Selected in First Round of NFL Draft

There were questions around his attitude and skill set going into the draft.

Raiders Make Ashton Jeanty Highest-Drafted RB Since Saquon Barkley

Jeanty led Boise State to the College Football Playoff this past season.
NFL draft prospect, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Travis Hunter, arrives during the NFL Draft Red Carpet event at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Jags’ Trade Up for Travis Hunter Highlights His Immense Value

The Heisman Trophy winner was drafted No. 2 overall after Jacksonville made a big move up.
Apr 20, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) celebrates his three-point basket in the first quarter against the Miami Heat at Rocket Arena.

Evan Mobley’s DPOY Win Adds $45 Million to Contract

Mobley’s contract extension got more expensive with his DPOY win.

Featured Today

The Former NBA Agent Who Became a Pickleball Deputy Commissioner

Chris Patrick went from representing Jimmy Butler to pickleball deputy commissioner.
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.
April 21, 2025

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Rendering for Bridgestone Arena

Predators Unveil $650M Plan to Keep Pace With NHL’s Venue Race

The NHL team has big plans for the 28-year-old Nashville arena.
RFK
April 17, 2025

Commanders Plan $3B Return to RFK Stadium Site—With Some Opponents

A potential deal calls for a new stadium costing more than $3 billion.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
April 16, 2025

Sabres’ Struggles Extend Off the Ice As Arena Ownership Battle Brews

The 29-year-old arena needs extensive renovations.
April 10, 2025

Denver’s $200M NWSL Stadium Plan Hits Roadblock Over Funding

City council members question the proposed use of public funds.
Apr 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Endy Rodriguez (5) and catcher Joey Bart (14) collide attempting to catch a pop-up hit by St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Willson Contreras (not pictured) during the eighth inning at PNC Park.
April 9, 2025

Pirates Facing Fan Backlash Over Dumping Bricks and Clemente

Fans’ “Bucco Bricks” were found at a recycling facility.
April 3, 2025

Tropicana Field Roof Repair Gets Approval: Will Rays Return in 2026?

The Rays could return to the ballpark in 2026.