Sources: Bears shift stadium focus back to Chicago, propose $2 billion in private funding for domed stadium on lakefront

(670 The Score) The Bears have proposed $2 billion in private funding to construct a new publicly owned domed stadium on the land south of Soldier Field along the lakefront, marking a stunning shift from suburban Arlington Heights back to the city of Chicago, sources told 670 The Score on Monday.

The Bears paid $197.2 million for the 326-acre Arlington Park property in Arlington Heights, closing on it last year. However, the Bears have struggled to secure property tax certainty in negotiations with three local school districts. Now, the team has turned its focus for a stadium back to the city of Chicago.

Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren confirmed those intentions in a statement obtained by 670 The Score.

"The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the general public to enjoy in the city of Chicago," Warren said. "The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region — boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized."

The amount of public funding required for this project isn't yet clear. The cost of a new stadium is considered to be in the range of $2.5 billion to $3 billion, Crain’s Chicago Business reported last week. The NFL could contribute a loan as part of this proposal. Renderings for this project haven't yet been released.

Until early 2023, the Bears had made Arlington Heights their sole focus for a stadium, as a team – led by Warren, who took office last April – sought to establish the plans at Arlington Park. But after months of unsuccessful negotiations over property taxes, the priority has changed.

Warren said in January that the option of staying in Chicago had great appeal. The organization has a strong relationship with first-year mayor Brandon Johnson, who has eased dialogue after tension with former mayor Lori Lightfoot.

“What intrigues me about downtown is I strongly believe Chicago is the finest city in all of the world,” Warren said in January. “Very rarely do you get the opportunity to have such a beautiful downtown with a vibrant business community, with an absolutely beautiful lake and the energy that goes along. I always focus on, what's a way that we could bring together the beauty of the lake, the beauty of downtown, the business community, all the art exhibits, to bring that together for an environment — because it's always about the fans. How can we create an environment that they really enjoy?

“I live downtown. I love the city. And I just think we're blessed to be able to live in a city like Chicago. It has many pluses. I'm a big proponent of the Chicagoland area. I'm a big proponent of Arlington Heights, but there's something that's really special about downtown Chicago.”

The Bears’ exploration to build a downtown stadium comes as the White Sox also seek $1 billion in public funding for a stadium proposal in the city’s South Loop neighborhood on the 62-acre site known as The 78. It wasn't immediately clear how the Bears’ shift back to Chicago will impact the White Sox’s own stadium plans.

The Bears have played their home games at Soldier Field since 1971, operating under a lease through the Chicago Park District. That agreement runs through 2033.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .