Bears Rumors: New $2B+ Stadium to Be Built in Chicago South of Soldier Field

The Chicago Bears finally want to leave Soldier Field, but they're no longer looking to move far away.

Courtney Cronin of ESPN reported the Bears are "shifting their focus" to build a new stadium to remain in Chicago with a new domed venue south of Soldier Field. The team was previously expected to build its new stadium in in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

"The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute 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," Bears team president and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement to ESPN. "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."

Soldier Field opened in 1924 and has been the Bears' home since 1971. The stadium underwent major renovations aimed at modernization in 2002 and 2003, but the need for a new building has become apparent.

Soldier Field's maximum capacity of 61,500 is the second-lowest in the NFL, behind only Commanders Field (58,000). In terms of sheer size, it is the league's smallest stadium. (Commanders Field has, at multiple times in recent seasons, slashed its capacity as fan interest waned.)

The Bears plan to tear down Soldier Field—aside from its colonnades—when they open a new stadium. The team began exploring options outside of Arlington Heights last year amid broken-down negotiations over property taxes.

"The property's original assessment at five times the 2021 tax value, and the recent settlement with Churchill Downs [the property's former owner] for 2022 being three times higher, fails to reflect the property is not operational and not commercially viable in its current state," the Bears said in June 2023.

While some cold-weather fans will bemoan the loss of another outdoor stadium, the Bears opening a domed stadium could give Chicago a chance at hosting a Super Bowl. The NFL, which has long preferred warm-weather areas as hosts, gave the Minnesota Vikings a Super Bowl in 2018 after they opened a new domed stadium.

The Bears' lease at Soldier Field does not end until 2033, though, so any new stadium opening is a long way away.