Chicago Bears chase $855M plan for stadium to host Super Bowls and more

The Chicago Bears have unveiled a bold proposal that could reshape the future of sports and entertainment in the Midwest.

The team is seeking $855 million in public funding, not for the stadium itself, but for critical infrastructure such as roads, sewers, and commuter rail improvements, around a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights.

The Bears say they will cover the stadium’s direct construction costs, but argue that taxpayer investment is essential to build the surrounding infrastructure that would make the project viable.

If approved, the development could pave the way for the Bears to host iconic events such as the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four as early as 2031. According to the team, the project would create 56,000 construction jobs and 9,000 permanent jobs, while transforming the suburban site into a year-round entertainment hub with retail, dining, and community spaces.

Critics, however, question whether taxpayers should shoulder nearly a billion dollars in costs while the team itself benefits from ownership and revenue.