The Chicago Bears are making strategic moves off the field with plans to construct a new stadium south of their historic home at Soldier Field. This development comes amid speculation about the team’s potential relocation to a recently purchased 326-acre property in Arlington Heights.
Soldier Field, known for its iconic columns and lakefront views, has been the smallest stadium in the NFL since its renovation in 2003, with a capacity of only 61,500. The Chicago Bears have been vocal about the limitations of the current venue, particularly its size and lack of modern amenities compared to newer NFL stadiums.
According to Kevin Warren, the CEO of the Chicago Bears who confirmed the news to ESPN, this new stadium project is part of their broader vision to enhance the fan experience and generate additional revenue streams.
“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. 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.”
For now, the Bears’ plan is to remain at Soldier Field but only until the new stadium is ready. The team has not disclosed the potential capacity or specific features of the new stadium, but it is expected to be a state-of-the-art facility that aligns with the modern standards of NFL stadiums.