Bears President Talks New Stadium Plans Ahead of London Game
New Stadium Plans
The Chicago Bears remain focused on the city’s lakefront as the location for a nearly $5 billion stadium development project, team president Kevin Warren said Wednesday.
A proposal unveiled earlier this year calls for an enclosed stadium next door to their current home at Soldier Field as part of a major project that would transform the lakefront. The Bears are asking for public funding to help make it happen.
Prioritizing the Lakefront
The Bears also own property in Arlington Heights, but Warren maintained that the preference is Chicago.
“That Museum Campus is fantastic, and especially with the backdrop of Chicago and the architecture of that city,” he said. “That remains our focus at this point in time.”
Funding and Timeline
The plan calls for $3.2 billion for the new stadium plus $1.5 billion in infrastructure, potentially including a publicly owned hotel.
“The status is we’re continuing to make progress. We stay focused still to be able to be in the ground, start construction sometime in 2025,” Warren said. “We’re having regular meetings with key business leaders, key politicians, just staying focused and on course.
“This is a long journey. This takes time,” he added. “I’ve been there before. We’re exactly where I thought we would be at this point in time.”
Approval and Potential Obstacles
The proposal calls for just over $2 billion from the Bears, $300 million from an NFL loan and $900 million in bonds from the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.
The next step, Warren said, is to “get approval from a political standpoint.”
Representatives from numerous groups have voiced opposition to the lakefront location and state lawmakers have been lukewarm on the idea of approving such funding, with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and top leadership in both the House and Senate voicing concerns about the proposal.
Design Flexibility
Warren noted that the plans for a new building will be generic enough to fit more than one site.
“You want to build a stadium where it really becomes agnostic from a location standpoint, because it takes so much time from a planning standpoint,” he said.
Experience and Confidence
In his previous leadership role with the Minnesota Vikings, Warren oversaw plans and development of U.S. Bank Stadium.
“Anything that’s great in life, anything that lasts 50 years, takes a lot of energy and effort,” he said Wednesday.
“I’m confident in the political leadership, the business leadership, our fan base, that we’ll be able to figure this out,” he added. “It will become a crown jewel for the National Football League.”
Conclusion
The Bears’ proposal for a new stadium in Chicago’s lakefront remains a priority, with Warren confident that the project can move forward with the necessary approvals and funding.
FAQs
What is the proposed budget for the new stadium? The proposal calls for $3.2 billion for the new stadium and $1.5 billion in infrastructure.
When is the planned construction timeline? Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with an estimated completion date of sometime in the future.
What is the Bears’ preferred location for the new stadium? The Bears are focusing on the lakefront area, citing its unique atmosphere and scenic views.
What are the potential obstacles to the proposal? Several groups have voiced opposition to the lakefront location, and state lawmakers have expressed concerns about the proposal.
Is the proposal designed to be flexible? Yes, the plans are designed to be generic enough to fit more than one site, allowing for potential flexibility if needed.
