The Chicago Bears are zeroing in on a plan for a domed stadium along the lakefront, and the NFL squad is prepared to reach deep into its own pockets before asking taxpayers to help fund it.
The Bears are willing to provide $2 billion in private financing for a gameday venue that would replace Soldier Field, where it’s played for more than 50 years, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
The team aims to increase the open space on the museum campus surrounding Soldier Field by 20 percent, making it attractive for major events such as the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four, in addition to year-round community activities.
The team’s investment plan further solidifies its intent to stay in the city limits, more than a year after finalizing a deal to pay $197 million for the former Arlington International Racecourse, envisioning a stadium-anchored mixed-use development. An ongoing tax dispute has thrown a wrench in the Bears’ $5 billion plan in the northwest suburb, although that project hasn’t been ruled out completely.
“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,” Bears president Kevin Warren told the outlet. “We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.”
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