The Arlington Heights Village Board has approved a pre-development plan for a potential new stadium for the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
The agreement, while non-binding, sets out a framework for the development of the Arlington Park site, which the Bears have targeted for a new fixed-roof stadium. The approval will pave the way for further discussions between Arlington Heights and the Bears.
Topics that will be discussed will include zoning and taxation for the proposed stadium development. As well as the stadium, the wider complex will include residential space, retail, bars and restaurants.
The agreement between the Bears and Arlington Heights states that the latter’s support for the project will be dependent on economic and fiscal analyses.
In a statement reported by NBC Chicago, Cliff Stein, the Bears’ senior vice-president and general counsel, said: “This is not a binding obligation on either part … it is a good faith agreement to work together to cooperate towards the exploration of the redevelopment of this property.”
In September, the Bears stated that they expect the proposed new stadium at Arlington Heights to feature a fixed, rather than retractable roof. The team maintained that its “singular focus” was on this property, with no appetite to engage on potential redevelopment of Soldier Field, its current home.
The Bears had earlier laid out plans for a domed stadium and multi-purpose entertainment district, broaching the subject of potentially seeking public funding for part of the project. In September 2021, the Bears signed an agreement for the purpose of acquiring 326 acres of property in Arlington Heights to potentially relocate there.
The team remains under contract to purchase the property, but there are conditions that must be met in order to be in a position to close.
Soldier Field is currently the oldest stadium in the NFL, having opened in 1924, while its 61,500-seat capacity also makes it the smallest in the league. The stadium underwent a $690m (£602m/€690m) renovation in 2002 and the Bears’ lease deal is due to run through 2033. The team could break the agreement for $84m as of 2026.
In July, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced proposals for a major renovation of Soldier Field. Lightfoot put forward three options to revamp the stadium but the Bears have insisted that their focus is on building a new venue.
