Chicago Bears Propose $5B Domed Lakefront Stadium

Photo byChicago Bears

The Chicago Bears announced plans to build a state-of-the-art fixed-roof stadium along Chicago’s lakefront.

The Burnham Park Project includes a new publicly-owned multipurpose replacement stadium south of Soldier Field.

This is an extraordinary day for the Chicago Bears and the City of Chicago, for the state of Illinois, our ownership, our players, our coaches, our staff members, the alums, and our incredible Chicago Bear fans. -said Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren.

The proposal creates a recreational and community events space meant for year-round use. It includes 14 acres of athletic fields, open green spaces, and recreational parks for use by public and youth sports programs.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said building a new Bears stadium will result in no new taxes on the residents of Chicago.

The plan features a three-acre promenade and plaza area, which could include year-round food and beverage outlets, retail shops, and a cultural attraction focused on sports and Soldier Field history.

The new stadium would continue the tradition on a site that has hosted Chicago’s prominent civic, entertainment, sports, and cultural events for 100 years.

The Bears have been proud to call Chicago home for over 100 years. No other sports team embodies the character of the city it represents better than the Bears and Chicago. Our founder, George Halas, emphasized the importance of being a champion for Chicago. This has been part of the foundation of our organization. That is why we are excited to invest in the greatest city in the world through a stadium project and site improvements that will benefit Chicagoans and visitors. -said Bears chairman George H. McCaskey.

The proposal includes a contemporary architectural design that complements the existing architecture, featuring an enclosed, fixed roof, spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront, intimate seating for unparalleled sight lines, and open spaces for congregating.

The stadium would host large-scale sporting events, including Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours, and prominent entertainment acts.

The economic benefits for Chicago are partly evidenced by the estimated $6.6 billion in direct fiscal tax impact produced nationwide in 2021 by the sports tourism sector of the economy, according to Sports Business Journal.

The Bears have pledged to contribute more than $2 billion to the project—over 70% of the total stadium cost. The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) proposes the remaining stadium funds.

This government entity was created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1987 to construct and renovate sports stadiums for professional teams in Illinois.

We are committing over $2 billion into a public/private partnership that will be transcendent for the city and bring opportunities and positive outcomes to millions of people who both live in Chicago and visit Chicago. -Karen Murphy, Bears executive vice president of stadium development and chief operating officer.

The infrastructure plan contains three phases.

• Phase 1 consists of requirements to open the stadium, including transportation, roadways, and utilities, at an estimated $325 million.
• Phase 2 would maximize the stadium and surrounding campus, cost $510 million, and include a bus depot expansion, new parks, and playfields.
• Phase 3 would further enhance the campus, cost $665 million, and include additional transportation improvements, retail, and public attractions.

The Bears aim to break ground in the summer of 2025, with a planned grand opening in the summer of 2028.

For news and information regarding the stadium project, visit StadiumforChicago.com.

SOURCE: Chicago Bears

***

Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning Writer & Journalist based on the West Coast. He writes about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, lifestyle, and business.

You’re welcome to share your thoughts or tell me your story. Please email me at dp1@sawyertms.comdp1@sawyertms.com

Copyright © 2024 Sawyer TMS. All rights reserved.

N.B. This article is for information purposes only unless otherwise noted.