THE Chicago Bears are set to leave Chicago and head for Arlington Heights to build a new $4.2billion home.
The Bears have long been planning to move on from Soldier Field, which has been their home since 1971, and build a new state-of-the-art stadium.
The Chicago Bears could leave Soldier Field for a new stadium outside of Chicago[/caption]
Bears CEO Kevin Warren has given an update on the plans[/caption]
In the last few years, the Bears have flirted with the idea of building a new stadium adjacent to Soldier Field in downtown Chicago.
However, CEO Kevin Warren has now explained that the franchise is “extremely focused” on building their new home in Arlington Heights, one of the city’s surrounding suburbs.
Speaking to reporters at Halas Hall on Friday, he said: “We strongly believe that is the only location in Cook County that will allow us to build a stadium—the new Chicago Bears stadium—with a fixed roof.”
In September 2021, the Bears agreed to purchase a 326-acre Arlington International Racecourse property.
Warren revealed that the franchise has been taking weekly meetings with Arlington Heights leaders for several months.
While he also revealed a plan to begin moving dirt this year and break ground in 2026.
The Bears are hoping to land a “mega project bill” to help them finance the stadium by giving them tax relief during the construction process.
That idea has been met with concern, but Warren claims that the bill would put “zero” cost on the state of Illinois.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
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He insisted: “This is not a grant. This is not a gift. This is not any transfer of money from the state of Illinois to the Chicago Bears or other businesses.
“This just says we’re going to allow you to negotiate the property taxes, which is critically important”.
Chicago-based Fairpoint Development recently released a proposal for a brand-new stadium for the Bears in March.
Those plans, which originally outlined plans to build on the old Michael Reese Hospital in the city, proposed a 75,000-seat arena.
Fairpoint Development’s proposal also includes privately financed parking and additional infrastructure worth $356million.
The Bears still have eight years left on their lease at Soldier Field.
Chicago-based Fairpoint Development recently released a proposal for a new stadium[/caption]
Concept images show what the facilities could look like[/caption]
The stadium would hold 75,000 fans[/caption]
