'Pivotal' Moment: Bears Unveil $4.6B Domed Stadium Plan For Chicago

CHICAGO — Promising it will create over $8 billion in regional economic impact following its construction, the Chicago Bears unveiled its plans Wednesday for a publicly-owned, domed stadium on the Museum Campus. The entire stadium project, which would be built near the current site of Solider Field, is estimated to cost $4.6 billion, including $3.2 billion for the stadium itself.

"This marks a pivotal moment for Chicago as we introduce a visionary project prioritizing the public good," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said during a press conference hosted by the Bears at Solider Field. "The Chicago Bears' proposal goes beyond mere construction: It will cultivate economic growth, job creation, and community enrichment."

The Bears will privately invest more than $2 billion to the project, which, according to team officials, will cover more than 70 percent of the costs to construct the stadium.

RELATED: Bears To Announce Publicly-Owned Stadium Plans For Chicago

The team said the new stadium will create more than 43,000 construction jobs and 4,200 new annual jobs to the Chicagoland region.

The Bears are hoping the proposed facility will afford them the opportunity to host Super Bowls, NCAA championships, major concerts and "other significant events that drive tourism dollars to the city."

Overseeing the construction of the stadium will be Kansas City-based Manica Architecture. The company designed the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium, which opened in Las Vegas in 2020, and is the home stadium of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders. In 2022, the Bears hired Manica to assist in the conceptual design process for a state-of-the-art facility at the former site of Arlington International Racetrack in Arlington Heights. The Bears purchased the 309-acre property for $196 million in February 2023.

The Chicago project would expand public open space at the site, with sports fields and gardens replacing Solider Field. Team officials, who said an open-air stadium was considered, called an enclosed stadium "essential" for Chicago to attract year-round event.

"Contributing more than $2 billion in private dollars into this new publicly owned stadium will unlock tremendous economic development opportunities, add jobs for the city and the region, and create a tremendous home field advantage for the Chicago Bears," said Kevin Warren, Bears president and CEO.

Other benefits of the project, according to the Bears, include:

• Expanded green and open space
• Added playfields, "creating more safe places" for youth and families to gather
• Public restrooms along with food and beverage options to enhance park user experience
• Better infrastructure that improves access to Museum Campus
• A year-round venue that can host community events of all sizes

Karen Murphy, executive vice president of stadium development and chief operating officer, said the team will apply for a $300 million NFL loan as part of the private investment plan. The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which was created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1987 for the purpose of constructing stadiums for professional sports teams, is the proposed resource to fund an additional $900 million for the publicly owned stadium

Officials said the project would be rolled out in three phases:

• Phase One — Infrastructure required to open the stadium, totaling $325 million.
• Phase Two — Infrastructure to maximize stadium and surrounding campus, totaling $510 million, including parking and new playfields.
• Phase Three — Optional infrastructure to enhance the campus, improve circulation, and maximize public economic benefits, totaling $665 million.

Soldier Field, which opened in 1924, is the NFL's oldest stadium. The Bears began playing there in 1971 after leaving Wrigley Field. It has a football game capacity of 61,500 fans, which is the smallest in the NFL. The Bears' lease at Solider Field expires in 2033. Team officials said Wednesday the stadium's historic colonnades would be preserved at the new one as a tribute to Chicago’s military veterans.

"The Chicago Bears' history in this city runs deep, dating back to 1921 when George Halas moved the franchise here after one year in Decatur, Illinois," said George H. McCaskey, Chicago Bears Chairman. "The team embodies the spirit of Chicago, and we've embraced that legacy with pride. This upcoming stadium will be a testament to Chicago's character, built by its people for the betterment of our beloved city. It's a proud moment for our franchise, our devoted fans, and our hometown."

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