Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Bears have released new renderings for a proposed $2 billion stadium in Arlington Heights, committing to build the 60,000-seat facility on the former Arlington International Racecourse site.
Designed by Manica Architecture, the fixed-roof stadium would anchor a 326-acre mixed-use district that includes 1,150 multifamily housing units, two hotels with 400 rooms total, 300,000 square feet of retail and 200,000 square feet of office space. The project is expected to generate more than 56,000 construction job years and 9,000 permanent jobs.
Team officials project $10 billion in statewide economic impact from construction and $260 million annually in new business and tourism. Local, county and state governments could see $60 million in new annual tax revenue.
The renderings show a glass-enclosed stadium bowl, similar to earlier lakefront designs, with a southeast-facing wall that opens views toward downtown Chicago. The stadium would remain in Cook County and is within 25 miles for more than half of Bears season-ticket holders. The site also includes direct access to a Metra station, along with parking and tailgating space.
The Bears say the stadium could host marquee global events including the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, international soccer, concerts and community events in addition to NFL games.
While the team has committed $2 billion to stadium construction, the full development could cost as much as $5 billion. The Bears are also seeking up to $855 million in public funding for site infrastructure and are negotiating property tax terms.
If approvals are granted, construction could begin in 2026 and the stadium could open by 2029, with the surrounding mixed-use district built in phases over the following seven years.
