THE Chicago Bears are officially moving away from the city.
After 54 years in Soldier Field, the team has made a decision to build a new stadium outside of the city of Chicago.
The Chicago Bears are officially leaving downtown[/caption]
The team is planning on moving to Arlington Heights[/caption]
In a letter to all season ticket holders, the Bears announced that a new stadium is coming in Arlington Heights, with the goal to host a Super Bowl by 2031.
“We are at a pivotal juncture of the Chicago Bears franchise to build a new stadium, our future home in Arlington Heights, which will require zero state money for construction,” Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren wrote.
“This is the year to finalize our stadium plans so we can officially bid to host a Super Bowl as soon as 2031.
“This is the moment to begin moving toward that future, and we want you with us.”
Warren revealed the details of how the new stadium will look in his letter.
“Our new stadium, with a fixed-roof and the corresponding mixed-use development, will be worthy of the most passionate fan base in the NFL and capable of hosting marquee events year-round – from the Super Bowl to the Final Four to global soccer games to concerts to community events to youth sporting events,” he wrote.
“After purchasing 326 acres in Arlington Heights in 2023, we thoroughly evaluated other sites within Chicago’s city limits, but none were viable.”
According to Warren, the decision to move outside of Chicago was not an easy one.
However, the team viewed it as the right move for fans.
“Moving outside of the city of Chicago is not a decision we reached easily,” Warren wrote.
“This project does not represent us leaving, it represents us expanding.
“The Bears draw fans from all over Illinois, and over 50 percent of our season-ticket holders live within 25 miles of the Arlington Heights site.
“The project provides us the opportunity to build a stadium and mixed-use development that will benefit our fans, our region, and our future together.
“Most importantly, the new stadium will elevate the fan experience with easy access, whether by Metra train directly to the site or a short drive with ample parking and tailgating, creating a vital connection between Chicago and the broader Cook County community, ensuring every fan feels at home.”
NFL fans aren’t sure if this is the right decision though, and shared their thoughts on social media.
Bears fans aren’t thrilled about the decision to move[/caption]
“Football wasn’t made to be played indoors,” one fan said.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” another fan said.
“No downtown football in Chicago… that’s something,” a third fan said.
“I will now be referring to them as the Arlington Bears forever,” a fourth fan said.
“Beyond stupid,” a fifth fan said.
