The search for a new venue for the Chicago Bears has taken a new direction. According to many reports, the team has abandoned its plans to construct facilities in the suburbs and will remain in the area at a new, vaulted lakefront venue directly north of Soldier Field.
Viewers who are used to dealing with the harsh wind and cold at game may be spared by the domed stadium, which will also make it possible for the staff to hold significant events throughout the year. According to a study conducted by the team, fans largely back a vaulted stadium.
In a statement to Sportico, the Chicago Bears are pleased to contribute more than$ 2 billion to the construction of a stadium and improving open spaces in the City of Chicago for all visitors, including families and fans. The Chicago Bears ‘ stadium’s potential facility will provide a revolutionary opportunity for our region by boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating big events, and generating millions in revenue income. When our plans are finalized, we look forward to sharing more details.
The general government’s involvement in this new facility project is unknown.
The smallest facility in the NFL is Soldier Field, which has a current capacity of 61,500. The original facility was constructed in 1924, and it underwent a construction that essentially rebuilt the whole structure at a cost of$ 630 million. The University of Illinois school was where the Bears played the 2002 period while construction was underway.
The Bears were also regarded as the league’s best earners despite the newly renovated building, and various NFL owners were frustrated by their failing performance in the largest market with just one team. The Bears ‘ estimated revenue for the 2022 season was$ 561 million, which was their 13th-placed bid for an NFL team by Sportico. Due to the potential and resources in the Chicago business, its$ 6 billion worth was seventh.
The Bears are expected to remain in Soldier Field until the new facility is constructed, and the latest contract will continue until 2033.
In Arlington Heights, a west suburb of Chicago, The Bears had recently prioritized building a new facility. The group agreed to purchase a 326-acre track from Churchill Downs for$ 97 million in 2021, which would be used as the site of a new stadium and mixed-use development. The Bears paused, however, and the team began to look into another facility options as a result of the site’s substantial property tax rates.
The Bears were reportedly offered to relocate to Chicago by another suburbs, including Waukegan, Naperville, and Aurora, but the team resisted, moving there, especially near Lake Michigan, where it is currently based.
One of the Bears ‘ top goals was to address the stadium issue, so they appointed former Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren as their CEO in early 2023. After a meeting in June, Warren and Chicago’s president Brandon Johnson came together to discuss the matter, and they released a joint statement.
The declaration read,” Now we met and discussed our shared values and dedication to the city of Chicago, the importance of strong roots, and the need for equitable society expense throughout the town.” We both share the conviction that the town and its key political institutions may expand and evolve in tandem to meet the demands of the future. We look forward to keeping this conversation moving ahead.