(670 The Score) The Bears have proposed $2 billion in private funding to construct a domed stadium on the land south of Soldier Field, marking a stunning shift from suburban Arlington Heights back to the city of Chicago, sources told 670 The Score.
The Bears own the 326-acre Arlington Park property in Arlington Heights, a purchase on which they closed at $197.2 million 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 future back to the city of Chicago.
Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren confirmed these 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 is not yet clear. The cost of a new stadium is considered 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 have not yet been released.
The Bears made their sole focus for a stadium future at Arlington Heights prior to early this year, as the team – led by Warren, who took office last April – sought to establish its plans at Arlington Park. But after months of unsuccessful negotiations over property tax certainty, the priority has changed.
Warren said in January that the option of staying in Chicago had great appeal. The team has found a new option there 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 into 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’s not immediately clear how the Bears’ new shift back to Chicago 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.