Bears: Staying in Chicago, Going Dome
The Chicago Bears have announced that they will begin plans to build a new stadium near their current home of Soldier Field, a change from their original plans of moving to a location further outside of the city.
“The Chicago Bears are committed to contributing 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 team said in a statement to CNN on Monday.
“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.”
Sources familiar with the plan told CNN affiliate WLS that the team is investing private money to build a publicly-owned domed stadium on the lakefront to the south of where Soldier Field stands.
Remaining near the city center will make Chicago a more viable host for future Super Bowls given its transport infrastructure.
The decision comes after speculation the Bears were considering building a new stadium further outside the city center following its acquisition of 326 acres of property in Arlington Heights last year.
Sources told WLS that the new project would increase open space by nearly 20% and include all-season free and accessible plazas, paths and landscaped planted areas with access to the lakefront so that it could be a year-round community asset for everyone to enjoy.
“I have said all along that meaningful private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit are my requirements for public-private partnerships in our city. The Chicago Bears plans are a welcome step in that direction and a testament to Chicago’s economic vitality,” Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.
“I look forward to subsequent talks with the Bears, State leadership and community stakeholders about how we can continue to responsibly support the aspirations of the team, its fans and all residents of the City of Chicago.”
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/11/sport/chicago-bears-new-stadium-spt-intl/index.html
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
After what happened in KC, I believe the NFL needs to put in regulations for teams in cold weather regions to protect the fans. I think any new stadium in a cold weather city should be made to have a roof on it and games where the weather and wind chill go under a certain threshold need to be moved. It is beyond ridiculous that Buffalo is going to spend all that tay payer money for a stadium in the cold. With the 17 game season and the extra playoff games, games are being played later and later and it just not safe to hold the games in those conditions. If they insist on having those stadiums fine, but the games should then have to be moved.
I think Arlington Heights changed the zoning & thus the tax implications after the land there was acquired. Somebody screwed the pooch on that one…
@"Kentis" said: I think Arlington Heights changed the zoning & thus the tax implications after the land there was aquired. Somebody screwed the pooch on that one…
I figured Arlington Heights would end-up as the Bears new HQ area...
Kinda like Eagan became for the purple.
@"JR44" said: After what happened in KC, I believe the NFL needs to put in regulations for teams in cold weather regions to protect the fans. I think any new stadium in a cold weather city should be made to have a roof on it and games where the weather and wind chill go under a certain threshold need to be moved. It is beyond ridiculous that Buffalo is going to spend all that tay payer money for a stadium in the cold. With the 17 game season and the extra playoff games, games are being played later and later and it just not safe to hold the games in those conditions. If they insist on having those stadiums fine, but the games should then have to be moved.Agree with what you said. With the report that some fans that attended the cold weather game in KC during the playoffs may have to have some amputations you can see the lawsuits coming. Cold weather, beer, and stupid fans that don't dress for the cold just don't mix.
They should have a dome, its ridiculous. Plus all the revenue the place will pull as a 12 month indoor facility for concerts, etc.
Crickey, I used to freeze my asz off at the olde Met Stadium. I was also in my teens and stoopid lol!
But seriously, cold is an element that the North East and NFL embraces.
Why would we quell that now? After all these decades? If you cant dress properly for it? DONT GO!
@"purplefaithful" said: Crickey, I used to freeze my asz off at the olde Met Stadium. I was also in my teens and stoopid lol!But seriously, cold is an element that the North East and NFL embraces.
Why would we quell that now? After all these decades? If you cant dress properly for it? DONT GO!
Because it will be used for more things than just football.
@"Kentis" said: I think Arlington Heights changed the zoning & thus the tax implications after the land there was acquired. Somebody screwed the pooch on that one…
No, they simply were taxing them how much they paid for the property. The zoning was not changed.
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