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Chicago Bears Prioritize Arlington Heights for New Stadium Development

The team confirms progress with local officials, but significant legislative and financial hurdles remain before plans can move forward.

Chicago Bears mascot Staley Da Bear at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, on August 25, 2018.
Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren speaks to Mayor Brandon Johnson during the 120th Annual Meeting of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce at the Hilton in the Loop on June 4, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • The Chicago Bears have confirmed significant progress with Arlington Heights officials, signaling a focus on the 326-acre Arlington Park site for their proposed domed stadium and entertainment district.
  • Economic and traffic impact studies have been commissioned by the Arlington Heights village board to assess the feasibility of the development.
  • Key challenges include securing state legislation for property tax freezes, negotiating funding for infrastructure improvements, and garnering local community support.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and other top state leaders remain opposed to providing public subsidies for the project, complicating funding prospects.
  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has reiterated that the city remains open to hosting the Bears, though the team appears to be shifting its focus to Arlington Heights.