Chicago Bears Shift focus to Arlington Heights Stadium Project
The Chicago Bears are once again prioritizing Arlington Heights as the potential site for their new stadium, signaling a significant shift after exploring a downtown Chicago location.While no final agreement has been reached, the team’s focus has clearly returned to the suburban location after a period of concentrated efforts in the city.
The Arlington Heights Advantage
The team’s renewed interest in Arlington heights stems from several factors, including the availability of a large, undeveloped parcel of land. The Bears purchased the 326-acre Arlington Park site in 2022, giving them considerable control over the advancement process. Bears chairman George McCaskey highlighted the location’s inherent advantages:
George Halas identified (arlington Heights) more than 50 years ago as an ideal place for a Bears stadium, and I don’t know if anything that’s happened sence then changed that evaluation. As Kevin mentioned, it’s pad ready, it’s got the Metra stop, plenty of acreage, topography is good. It can be an outstanding, beautiful green space with enhancements to Salt Creek…george McCaskey, Bears Chairman
world. Because the biggest thing for me as I represent the family’s interests, I not only look at this generation, but I realy say it and I seriously mean it – this is a decision that will impact this franchise for the next 100 years. And my biggest thing that my focus will continue to be on is the fan experience.
Kevin Warren, Bears President/CEO
financial Considerations and Public Support
The Bears have stated they will not seek public funding for the stadium itself.However,they anticipate requesting state money for infrastructure improvements to support the surrounding mixed-use entertainment district. the Arlington Heights Village Board has already taken steps to facilitate the project, voting unanimously in December to set the Bears’ taxes at $3.6 million per year for the Arlington Park site.
Did you know? The proposed stadium could host major events like the Final four, College Football Playoff, and the Super Bowl, bringing significant economic benefits to the region.
Downtown Chicago: A Road Not Taken (For Now)
the Bears’ exploration of a stadium on the Museum Campus in Chicago ultimately faced significant hurdles, including reliance on financial support from the Illinois Sports facilities Authority. While the downtown location offered the allure of a lakefront setting, infrastructure challenges and financial complexities appear to have shifted the team’s focus back to Arlington Heights.
Pro Tip: Unlike Soldier Field, which is owned by the Chicago Park District, the Bears woudl own their new stadium in Arlington Heights and the surrounding land, giving them greater control over revenue streams and development opportunities.
Timeline and Future Prospects
Kevin Warren has expressed the team’s ambition to begin construction in 2025. with arlington Heights once again the primary focus, the Bears are aiming to create a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as their home for generations to come.
The Road Ahead
While significant progress has been made, numerous steps remain before the stadium project becomes a reality. Continued collaboration with state and local leaders will be crucial to securing the necessary infrastructure support and navigating the regulatory landscape. The team acknowledged the progress made with Arlington Heights leaders:
Over the last few months, we have made significant progress with the leaders in Arlington Heights, and look forward to continuing to work with state and local leaders on making a transformative economic development project for the region a reality.Chicago Bears Statement
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the stadium be publicly funded?
The Bears will not seek public funding for the stadium itself,but may request state money for infrastructure support.
Where will the stadium be located?
The primary focus is now on the 326-acre Arlington Park site in Arlington Heights.
When will construction begin?
The team’s goal is to break ground in 2025.
