The Bears Are Moving Forward With Their Arlington Heights Stadium Project

The [Chicago Bears](https://secretchicago.com/ben-johnson-new-head-coach-bears/) are moving forward with their long-anticipated plans to leave Soldier Field and build a new stadium complex in suburban Arlington Heights—nearly two years after first pitching the project and beginning work on the site. New stadium won’t rely on taxpayer funding ---------------------------------------------- **A Bears spokesperson told the *Chicago Tribune* on Friday that the team has made significant progress in discussions with Arlington Heights officials and plans to continue working closely with both state and local leaders. The team also confirmed it will no longer pursue public tax dollars to fund the project—backtracking on earlier proposals that called for a mix of public and private funding. The announcement comes after Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed skepticism about approving taxpayer support for the development. Project to require special legislation -------------------------------------- The proposed project would span 326 acres on the site of the former Arlington International Racecourse. In addition to a new stadium, plans include an entertainment district and green space, creating a larger mixed-use destination.** According to the *Tribune*, the development will require special “megaproject” legislation to move forward—a process that could take time. Staying in Chicago Still a Possibility for the Bears ---------------------------------------------------- In April of 2024, the Bears released renderings of an alternate proposal which would keep the team in Chicago, creating a new stadium complex on the lakefront.o Following the most recent developments, a spokesperson for the Johnson administration told the Tribune that the opportunity for The Bears to remain in [Chicago](https://secretchicago.com/chicago-third-largest-us-city/) is still on the table. Mayor Johnson has previously expressed a desire to keep the team in Chicago. Source: https://secretchicago.com/the-bears-arlington-heights-stadium/