The expectation for 12-plus months has been that the Chicago Bears plan to build their next stadium away from downtown Chicago in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Ownership closed a deal approximately 13 months ago on a 326-acre property that formerly housed the Arlington International Racecourse. The property was purchased for roughly $197.2 million in 2021. A recent report by Courtney Cronin indicates the Bears are shifting course, however. Cronin reports that the Bears now plan to build a new publicly-owned lakefront stadium in Chicago near the current location of Soldier Field.
Development in Arlington Heights has notably not begun. The site was expected to feature a multibillion-dollar stadium project, expanding to include restaurants, retail shopping, and real estate. Ownership has experienced a shift in thinking and now allegedly plans to pour $2-plus billion into a publicly owned domed stadium.
Renderings of the proposed lakefront stadium have not been released. Cronin reports the location would be immediately south of the current site of Soldier Field and maintain parking in the south lot. Keeping the Bears in Chicago and within their current general location would be considered a major victory for Bears fans everywhere who weren't looking forward to making the commute to Arlington Heights to watch their beloved team play.
Keeping the Bears in Chicago is the right decision.
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