The Chicago Bears have opted not to seek out public funding for a new stadium in Arlington Heights, but will pursue taxpayer support in completing a sprawling entertainment district near the venue, which is anticipated to generate billions in local economic impact.
In a public letter issued 6 September, 2022, the team shared more details and initial renderings about the 326-acre (131.9-hectare) stadium-anchored entertainment district to replace the shuttered Arlington International Racecourse property in the northwest suburb. Images show a stadium along the northwest portion of the property.
The letter marks the first time the team has conceded it will seek financial assistance for the project. It also lays out what the Bears estimate would be one of the largest development projects in the state’s history and projections on the potential economic benefits for the area.
The team said the stadium would be “enclosed” and “worthy of hosting global events such as the Super Bowl, College Football Playoffs and Final Four. The Bears emphasized in the letter that there is still no guarantee the team closes on its US$197 million purchase of the Arlington Park property, and that it may not redevelop the site even if it does complete the acquisition.
For more on this story, go to Crain’s Chicago Business.