The Chicago Bears formally released their $4.7 billion stadium replacement plan a few months back. The renovations will allow for seating for over 70,000 fans beneath a fixed translucent dome—a departure from the open-air stadium Bears’ fans are accustomed to. The facility will serve as a home for the Bears and a potential venue for major events like Super Bowls and World Cup Soccer tournaments, something Bears Chairman George McCaskey says will bring significant economic benefit to Chicago.
In addition to the multi-purpose stadium, the Burnham Park Project plans to add 14 acres of athletic fields, a pedestrian mall and pavilion, more food and beverage options, and public parks and recreation facilities.
As one of the largest construction projects in the area’s history, the new stadium and its associated facilities are expected to create 43,000 construction jobs and a further 4,200 permanent jobs after the project is complete.
The Bears will contribute roughly $2.3 billion (70% of construction costs), with the remainder paid by the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA). Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago taxpayers won’t be saddled with any new taxes due to the project. With interest loans on the project, the total cost will be around $4.8 billion, with an additional $1.5 billion in related infrastructure improvements.
Previous plans for building a new stadium were focused in Arlington Heights, where the Bears spent $200 million to buy land formerly housing the Arlington International Racecourse. These plans stalled after the organization failed to reach an agreement with local schools about property taxes.
The stadium’s new lakefront location is just south of the Bears’ current home, Soldier Field, which will be demolished, leaving only its historic collonades. The landmark columns will be left standing to honor the memory of Chicagio’s military veterans.
Construction on The Burnam Park Project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with an estimated grand opening date of summer 2028.
