The Chicago Bears have proposed a $5 billion project for a new domed stadium designed to not only serve as their home but also to host concerts and Super Bowls. The project includes $1.5 billion for infrastructure, amidst mixed reactions from local leaders.
The Chicago Bears have announced plans for a new $5 billion domed stadium adjacent to their current Soldier Field location. This proposal, revealed in April 2024, involves a $3.2 billion investment in the stadium itself, with an additional $1.5 billion allocated for related infrastructure changes such as green spaces and a possible publicly owned hotel.
The design features of the proposed stadium include a translucent roof and extensive glass panels to offer panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. Besides serving as the home for the Bears, the facility is intended to host major events including concerts and Super Bowls.
While the project has received support from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who sees it aligning with the city’s development ambitions, other key figures like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and legislative leaders have expressed reservations about the economic burden on taxpayers.
Bears president Kevin Warren, seasoned in stadium development from his time in Minnesota, has expressed determination in working closely with city officials to advance the project, despite its challenges and the scale of public funding required.
