The Bears gave fans and all of Chicago a first look at what they plan to build along the city’s lakefront on Wednesday, announcing everything from the location to roofing plans to green space and the details of the place.
The team revealed plans for more than just a stadium, but rather an entertainment center that could host Super Bowls, playoffs, concerts and more.
“We have the best museums in the country. We have the most beautiful lakefront. We have the most vibrant downtown architectural design. And this gives us the opportunity to be able to bring all of that together in the greatest city in the planet,” Bears said. said President and CEO Kevin Warren during a live press conference on Wednesday.
“We want to build a recreational and cultural campus to enhance what we have in place here. We think young students can study here in the park, (to) take the classrooms out of the classrooms, out of the museums, and take it into open space and bring it back to museums and classrooms,” he said, adding that there is an “opportunity to bid for the Super Bowl, for the Final Four, for the College Football Playoff, the Big Ten.” championship matches, concerts.”
“It’s really becoming an international destination for the Olympics and the World Cup,” Warren said.
The proposal provides the first chance for fans and the city to see what the team has planned since leaving the Arlington Heights property it previously purchased.
The Bears purchased 326 acres of land in Arlington Heights last year and previously announced plans to build a new stadium there. But contentious negotiations over property taxes in the suburbs have become an obstacle to this project. Earlier this year, the team announced it was shifting its focus from Arlington Heights to focus on the city.
“They are our team,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said, touting the team’s decision to return to the city.
Renderings of the proposed new stadium include a “fixed” roof, with the stadium located atop Soldier Field’s current south parking lot. As for Soldier Field, the columns exist, but the stadium is gone. (See full renderings here)
One of the biggest questions from residents was funding for the new plan. Johnson addressed these concerns on Wednesday.
“I’m going to say it one more time to make sure everyone understands,” Johnson said during the announcement. “This project will not result in any new taxes for Chicago residents.”
The Bears have already committed to contributing $2 billion to build a new stadium in Chicago, but the project is expected to cost significantly more.
The move has faced criticism from the preservation group Friends of the Parks, which successfully blocked George Lucas from building a lakefront museum and has previously voiced opposition to the construction of any new park projects. stadium on the Museum Campus.
Friends of the Parks declined to comment ahead of the Bears’ announced news conference.
The Bears’ plans have also come under scrutiny as part of a separate effort by the Chicago White Sox to secure public funding for a stadium project in the South Loop. According to a recent Crain’s report, the teams were told that lawmakers were reluctant to approve separate financing plans for the stadiums, and urged the two teams to work together.
Warren and the Bears have said they are still happy to own the Arlington Park property, and officials remain optimistic that the team could return to the negotiating table.
“We are currently the largest landowner in Arlington Heights. 326 acres,” Warren said. “We own a beautiful piece of land. And I have great respect for Mayor Hayes, Randy Recklaus and all the politicians there. I believe right now that these projects are incredibly difficult. And just learning the different things I ‘ve done in Minnesota, you have to be focused And right now we’re putting our energy into downtown Chicago, the museum campus, just from an energy and resource standpoint. largest landowner. “I will remain in communication with Arlington Heights, but we must now focus on Chicago to give ourselves the best opportunity for success.”
Arlington Heights officials said they would be ready and waiting if the Bears changed their minds.
“There are many challenges ahead regarding the lakeside stadium in terms of funding and opposition from interest groups like Friends of the Parks… We are prepared to continue discussions with the Bears if they get a no at the lake,” Mayor Tom said. Hayes told NBC Chicago.
He added that while the village respects the Bears’ plan to explore a lakefront stadium, they believe the Arlington Heights property is a better solution.
“Other than a lake that we don’t have in Arlington Heights, I think everything else in Arlington Heights is a better solution for them,” he said.
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