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Coordinates: 41°51′33″N 87°36′56″W / 41.85917°N 87.61556°W / 41.85917; -87.61556
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Chicago Bears Stadium
Map
LocationChicago, Illinois
Coordinates41°51′33″N 87°36′56″W / 41.85917°N 87.61556°W / 41.85917; -87.61556
OwnerPublicly-owned
Capacity65,000
(expandable to 77,000 with standing-room capacity)
Construction
Broke ground2025 (planned)
Opened2028 (planned)
Construction cost$3.2 billion (stadium)
$1.5 billion (Infrastructure)
Tenants
Chicago Bears (NFL) (2028–future)

The new Chicago Bears Stadium is a planned fixed-roof stadium to be constructed on the Museum Campus in Chicago, Illinois that would be the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Construction is scheduled for 2025 and is planned to open in 2028. It will be publicly owned.[1][2][3]

Background

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Upon their founding, the Decatur Staleys played at their games at Staley Field which was owned by the team parent company the A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company.[4] Although the Staley football team was popular in 1920, it struggled financially, partly due to Staley Field's 1,500 seating capacity. Fans were charged $1 to attend games and company employees received a 50 percent discount, which was not economically feasible for the Staleys. The Staley company sold the team to George Halas, who transferred the team to Chicago in 1921 and move the games to Cubs Park (now Wrigley Field), which was owned by the Chicago Cubs,[5] and in 1922, they renamed themselves the Chicago Bears in order to associate themselves with their landlords.[6]

The Bears moved to their current home – the city-owned Soldier Field – in 1971 after the AFL-NFL Merger, the newly merged league mandate instituted after the 1970 season dictated that teams must play in stadiums that could hold a minimum of 50,000 seats. The move was supposed to be temporary – "an interim measure taken of necessity until a new city stadium can be erected" – but in the decades since, the team and the city of Chicago had multiple clashes about the state of the stadium, which caused a desire on the part of the team's ownership to find an alternative stadium owned by the team.[7][8][9]

History

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Wrigley Field (1921–1970)

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Main article: Wrigley Field

After leaving Decatur, Illinois in 1921 the Bears played at Wrigley Field for 50 years, from 1921 to 1970, which once held the record for the most NFL games played in a single stadium, with 365 regular season games, until this record was surpassed in 2003 by Giants Stadium in New Jersey. During this time the team won nearly 70% of its home games during that span.[1]

Initially, the Bears worked with the stands that were there. Eventually, they acquired a large, portable bleacher section that spanned the right and center field areas and covered most of the existing bleacher seating and part of the right field corner seating. This "East Stand" raised Wrigley's football capacity to about 47,000, or a net gain of perhaps 9,000 seats over normal capacity. After the Bears left, this structure would live on for several years as the "North Stand" at Soldier Field, until it was replaced by permanent seating.

The football field ran north-to-south, i.e. from left field to the foul side of first base. The remodeling of the bleachers made for a very tight fit for the gridiron. In fact, the corner of the south end zone was literally in the visiting baseball team's dugout, which was filled with pads for safety, and required a special ground rule that sliced off that corner of the end zone. The end zone was also shorter than the north, as the south end zone was eight yards, compared to the regulation ten yards.[10] One corner of the north end line ran just inches short of the left field wall. There is a legend that Bears fullback Bronko Nagurski steamrolled through the line head down, and ran all the way through that end zone, smacking his leather-helmeted head on the bricks. He went back to the bench and told then-coach George Halas, "That last guy gave me quite a lick!" That kind of incident prompted the Bears to hang some padding in front of the wall.

After a half-century, they found themselves compelled to move as the NFL wanted every one of its stadiums to seat at least 50,000 as a result of the then-recent AFL–NFL merger. At the time Wrigley Field had a capacity of 46,000 for football games.[7] The last game was on December 13, 1970, with the Bears beating the Packers 35–17.

Dyche Stadium (1970)

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Main article: Ryan Field (stadium)

With the Bears wanting to stay in Chicago North side, in 1971 Halas signed a five-year deal with Northwestern University to play in Dyche Stadium (that at the time had a capacity of 55,000), but the deal was cancelled two weeks after, as the Big Ten Conference denied the Bears permission to play there.[11] As a result of the Big Ten prevention, and subsequent move to the lakefront, ended their five-decade run on the north side.

By the end, the Bears played only one game at the stadium in 1970, a 20–26 win over Philadelphia Eagles, due to renovations to Wrigley Field.[12]

Soldier Field (1971–2001, 2003–present)

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Main article: Soldier Field

Without any other options in the city, the Bears signed a temporary lease with the Chicago Park District who owns the stadium, for three years with two one-year options. The lease also stipulate that the Park District should upgrade the aging stadium for the sum of $700,000, including: installing synthetic turf, updating and move closer the seating, and building new dressing rooms.[7] In 1975 the Public Building Commission announced they will demolish Soldier Field and will be replaced with a $35 million stadium,[2] but Mayor Richard J. Daley would later said that the $35 million will be spent on updating the existing structure.[3]

In 1977, as a result of the deteriorating state of the stadium, the Chicago Park District notify the Bears they will be able to play there only one more season, as the Park District board chairman estimated the cost for renovation in the ranged of $40 million to $55 million. At the time, costs estimates for a new stadium range from $65 million for an open structure and up to $200 million for a domed facility.[13] In 1978, the city declared 10,292 seats at the field's north end to be no longer safe, bringing the stadium capacity below the NFL's 50,000 seat requirement.[14] Although NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle said publicly he wouldn't force the rule on the Bears, the city would later approved a $3.5 million renovation plan that would add 2,000 seats, among other improvements. In 1980 the Park District stated they will close Soldier Field if the Bears did not sign a 20-year lease, and later blocked the team from selling tickets for the upcoming season. On On July 17, 1980, the Bears reached a new 20-year lease agreement with the Park District, after agreeing to finance the $2.8 million cost of building 54 skybox suites.[15] In 1982 the Park District unveils a plan to build a $20 million dome atop Soldier Field, which never happened.[16]

In 2002, the stadium was closed and rebuilt with only the exterior wall of the stadium being preserved. It was closed on Sunday, January 20, 2002, a day after the Bears lost in the playoffs. It reopened on September 27, 2003, after a complete rebuild (the second in the stadium's history). Many fans refer to the rebuilt stadium as "New Soldier Field".[17]

Many critics have negative views of the new stadium. They believe that its current structure has made it more of an eyesore than a landmark; some have dubbed it the "Mistake on the Lake".[18] Soldier Field was stripped of its National Historic Landmark designation on February 17, 2006.[19]

Memorial Stadium (2002)

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Main article: Memorial Stadium (Champaign)

In 2002 the Bears selected the University of Illinois Memorial Stadium as the site of home football games during the renovation of Soldier Field (the agreement also included the preseason games of the 2003 season).[20] In the past the Bears also held two preseason games in the stadium in 1974 and 1975 (both against the St. Louis Cardinals).

Other proposed stadium sites

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Comiskey Park

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Main article: Comiskey Park

In 1971 the Chicago White Sox offered the Bears to play in Comiskey Park, which was the home of the old Chicago Cardinals, but Halas declined.[21] In 1977, the Bears revealed they had contact with then-White Sox owner Bill Veeck about the use of the stadium, as a temporary solution, as a result of the deteriorating state of Soldier Field. In 1980, the Chicago Tribune reveled that the Bears were considering playing their 1980 regular season games at the stadium, if they couldn't sign a lease extension with the Chicago Park District, who owns Soldier Field. In 1998, then-Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley proposed that the Bears share New Comiskey Park with the White Sox.

Notre Dame Stadium

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Main article: Notre Dame Stadium

In 1978 the idea of moving Bears games to the Notre Dame Stadium was first proposed by Halas, but he also said: "We don't even know whether a place like Notre Dame would let us in".[14] In July 1980 the Bears approached the university officials with a request to play two exhibition games and eight regular season games for the upcoming season, but the team would later signed a new 20-year lease agreement to stay in Soldier Field.[15][22]

Waukegan

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Main article: Waukegan, Illinois

In 1990 Bears President Michael McCaskey said that the Waukegan proposal is still on the table.[23]

In 2023 Waukegan reached out to the Bears again and express their interest in wanting to be the home of the team stadium.[24]

Roosevelt Road

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In 1986 Chicago's Mayor Harold Washington proposed football-only stadium as part of a larger West Side sports complex, that will include the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. The plan was rejected by the Bears.[25]

Elk Grove Village

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Main article: Elk Grove Village, Illinois

In 1991 DuPage County officials try for the first time to pursue the Bears to be principal tenants of a vacant site owned by the county Airport Authority.[26] In 1995 Bears President Michael McCaskey reveled that the Bears plan is to build a $285 million, 74,000-seat stadium, with $185 million to be financed primarily by public funds, at one of three locations, including the western-most portion of O'Hare International Airport.[27] In 1998 the Bears sign a letter of intent that gives them 18 months to decide whether to pursue a new $200 million to $300 million stadium in Elk Grove Village, with state officials saying: "they are not willing to make any significant contributions to build a suburban home for the Bears".[28]

McCormick Place

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Main article: McCormick Place

In 1991 Illinois governor James R. Thompson order planning a domed stadium (nicknamed "McDome") as part of a major expansion of McCormick Place.[29]

Hoffman Estates

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Main article: Hoffman Estates, Illinois

In 1995 the Bears announced they have acquired an option to purchase 200 acres in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, as one of four potential locations for its new $285 million, 74,000-seat stadium. At the time it was believed that the Hoffman Estates location is the favorite, as the Bears wanted to return to Chicago North side.[30]

Gary, Indiana

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Main article: Gary, Indiana

In 1995 a business group called the "Northwest Indiana/Chicagoland Entertainment Inc." tried to lure the Bears with a plan for $205 million, 75,000-seat open air stadium in Gary, Indiana, as part of $482 million plan redevelopment project west of the Gary Regional Airport called "Planet Park". However, the plan was rejected by the Lake County Council.[31]

Sites considered

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Arlington Heights

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A move to the village of Arlington Heights, Illinois was first proposed in 1975, as the Madison Square Garden Corp. announced they'll determine the feasibility of building a sports stadium on 20 acres of undeveloped land next to the Arlington International Racecourse. The Bears had plans to build a publicly funded 80,000-seat stadium and sign a 35-year lease to use it, but the plan fell through when the city voters refused to approve funding, after the plan to move the Chicago White Sox to the village as well fell through.[27] In 1990 Bears President Michael McCaskey said they haven't ruled out the Arlington Heights project.[23]

In September 2021 the Bears first put a purchase agreement on the 326-acre plot of land in the village of Arlington Heights, Illinois and the Arlington Park properties.[32] In September 2022 the Bears hosted an information meeting to discuss the potential purchase and possible development of Arlington Park at John Hersey High School.[33] The sale was finalized on February 15, 2023, for $197.2 million,[34][35][36] with plans on building a new $5 billion domed stadium on the land.[37] Demolition of former Arlington Park began in May, 2023,[38] but after disagreement over the property tax assessment,[39] prompted the Bears to explore alternative sites for its planned stadium.[40][41] In March 2024, the village of Arlington Heights offered a tax reduction in attempt to lure the team to build new stadium in village.[42] In November, the team and the city reached a tentative agreement over the tax dispute.[43]

Museum Campus

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As of 2024, the Bears have shifted their focus to the parking area south of Soldier Field on Museum Campus. The plan is to build a new domed stadium and to invest more than $2B in private money in a publicly owned stadium and park space. The plan also indicated that much of Soldier Field would be torn down to create the additional "green space".[44][45] On April 24, 2024, the Bears reveal plans for $4.7 billion domed lakefront stadium development.[46][47] The office Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker would later call the plan a "non-starter for the state".[48]

In September 2024, Friends of the Parks announce their opposition to the Bears' project and their intention to fight it with executive director Gin Kilgore stated "We'd like to say you never start with a lawsuit, but you don't take it off the table."[49][50][51][52] In October 2024, Bears president Kevin Warren said he "hopes the Bears can break ground in 2025 on a lakefront stadium, which remains the priority over Arlington Heights",[53] and that they're "exploring private equity as funding source".[54]

Michael Reese Hospital

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In November 2024, the Bears stated that they now have considered the site of the former Michael Reese Hospital in the Bronzeville neighborhood after progress on the waterfront site stalled. The site was originally rejected because it was considered too narrow and over an active rail line.[55]

References

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  1. ^ "What to know about the Chicago Bears' new stadium plans". Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  2. ^ "Bears release plans for stadium project in Chicago". Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  3. ^ "Bears reveal plans for $4.7 billion domed lakefront stadium development: 'This is not an easy project'". Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  4. ^ Lugardo, Sara (2012-12-16). "History of Tailgating in Chicago". WBBM-TV. Retrieved 2012-12-16.
  5. ^ Willis, Chris (August 19, 2010). The Man Who Built the National Football League: Joe F. Carr. Scarecrow Press. p. 131. ISBN 978-0810876705.
  6. ^ "Wrigley Field – History, Photos & More of the former NFL stadium of the Chicago Bears". Stadiumsofprofootball.com. Retrieved 2012-08-17.
  7. ^ a b c "The Chicago Bears have been trying to leave Soldier Field for 50 years. They might be closer than ever". Washington Post.
  8. ^ "What's so bad about Soldier Field? 5 things to know". NBC Chicago.
  9. ^ "The Chicago Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971 — but they have flirted with leaving the downtown stadium several times since". Chicago Tribune. 18 June 2021.
  10. ^ Coppock, Chet (October 4, 2013). "1963 Season: Bears Defeat Colts 10-3 at Wrigley". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  11. ^ "Big Ten Closes Dyche to Bears, Allows N.I.T". Chicago Tribune. 9 March 1971.
  12. ^ "Philadelphia Eagles at Chicago Bears - September 27th, 1970". Pro Football Reference.
  13. ^ "The Decay of Soldier Field to force Bears to move". Chicago Tribune. 20 November 1977.
  14. ^ a b "Bears turn sour on Soldier Field". Chicago Tribune. 17 December 1978.
  15. ^ a b "Bears, Park District agree to new 20-year lease". Chicago Tribune. 18 July 1980.
  16. ^ "Chicago Tribune Sunday, April 25, 1982". Chicago Tribune. 25 April 1982.
  17. ^ "Soldier Field History". ChicagoBears.com. Archived from the original on December 5, 2005. Retrieved July 16, 2006.
  18. ^ "Mistake on the Lake". The Times of Northwest Indiana. Archived from the original on September 13, 2012. Retrieved September 1, 2003.
  19. ^ "Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties, 4/17/06 through 4/21/06". National Register of Historic Places Listings. Archived from the original on October 11, 2006. Retrieved October 18, 2006.
  20. ^ "University of Illinois-Chicago Bears Form Partnership". University of Illinois Department of Athletics. October 22, 2001. Archived from the original on January 1, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
  21. ^ "Comiskey Park Seating Plans Sought By Bears". Chicago Tribune. 8 April 1971.
  22. ^ "Chicago Bears Threatened to Move 1980 "Home" Games to Notre Dame Stadium". SBNation. 19 July 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Chicago Tribune Wednesday, November 28, 1990". Chicago Tribune. 28 November 1990.
  24. ^ "Waukegan is latest city to reach out to Bears about being home of new stadium". WGN9. 13 June 2023.
  25. ^ "Mayor tries another stadium mix". Chicago Tribune. 27 June 1986.
  26. ^ "West Chicago wooing Bears with offer of stadium at airport". Chicago Tribune. 10 January 1991.
  27. ^ a b "3 sites on wish list $185 million sought from public for arena". Chicago Tribune. 13 April 1995.
  28. ^ "Elk Grove Village wonders if Bears mean business this time". Chicago Tribune. 30 August 1998.
  29. ^ "Blitz is on for Bears Stadium". Chicago Tribune. 19 January 1990.
  30. ^ "Bears try option play in Hoffman Estates". Chicago Tribune. 4 May 1995.
  31. ^ "Indiana makes its pitch to Bears". Chicago Tribune. 15 November 1995.
  32. ^ "Chicago Bears stadium: where things stand with Arlington Heights, more". NBC Sports Chicago.
  33. ^ "First Look at Chicago Bears Master Plan for Arlington Park. How Much Will Taxpayers Be Asked To Fund?". WTTW.
  34. ^ "Bears close on Arlington Heights property". ChicagoBears.com.
  35. ^ "Bears' purchase of 326-acre Arlington Park property official". ABC Chicago. 15 February 2023.
  36. ^ "Arlington Park". ChicagoBears.com. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27.
  37. ^ "Master Plan Vision for Arlington Park" (PDF).
  38. ^ "Demolition begins at Arlington Park after Chicago Bears' indoor permit approved". ABC Chicago. June 2023. Archived from the original on 2024-03-27.
  39. ^ "Bears 'disappointed' after Board of Review blocks lower Arlington Heights property tax bill". Chicago Sun Times. 23 February 2024.
  40. ^ "Bears resume new stadium plans in Arlington Heights". The Real Deal. 29 December 2023.
  41. ^ "As Plan for New Stadium in Arlington Heights Stalls, Bears Start Considering New Options". WTTW.
  42. ^ "Arlington Heights offers Chicago Bears tax breaks to build new stadium in village". CBS. 19 March 2024.
  43. ^ "Chicago Bears, Arlington Heights officials reach tentative agreement over property tax dispute".
  44. ^ "Bears would contribute $2 billion for domed lakefront stadium to replace Soldier Field, team president confirms". WGNTV. 11 March 2024.
  45. ^ "Source - Chicago Bears plan new stadium south of Soldier Field". ESPN. 11 March 2024.
  46. ^ "Bears reveal plans for $4.7 billion domed lakefront stadium development: 'This is not an easy project'". Chicago Sun-Times. 25 April 2024.
  47. ^ "Chicago's Lakefront Legacy Experience The Vision". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on 2024-05-12.
  48. ^ "Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's office still calls new Bears stadium plan a "non-starter"". CBS Chicago. May 2024.
  49. ^ "New Chicago Bears stadium on lakefront south of Soldier Field opposed by Friends of the Park". 18 September 2024.
  50. ^ "Proposed Bears lakefront stadium would only benefit the rich, opponents say". 19 September 2024.
  51. ^ "Chicago community groups join forces to oppose new Bears stadium on the lakefront". Chicago Tribune. 18 September 2024.
  52. ^ "Opposition coalesces against Bears' lakefront stadium plans". 18 September 2024.
  53. ^ "Chicago Bears stay focused on city's lakefront for new stadium, team president says". ABC News.
  54. ^ Tansley, Eduardo. "Chicago Bears not currently exploring private equity as funding source for new stadium, says Kevin Warren". The New York Times.
  55. ^ "Bears consider new site for stadium".
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