By Matt Stuart | Published | 1 Comment
The Chicago Bears have released details of a proposed new stadium project that they plan to build just south of their existing home at Soldier Field.
The new stadium would feature a fixed translucent roof and would be built alongside a multi purpose mixed use development along the lakefront. Unlike Solider Field, the new stadium, thanks to its fixed roof, would be able to host a multitude of different events year round.
The plan would include a three-acre promenade and plaza area which would offer retail shops and restaurants, in addition to recreational space as well as athletic fields that would be used for youth sports. Even a publicly-owned hotel would be included on site.
The stadium would borrow architectural design elements unique to the city of Chicago and would offer “spectacular views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront; intimate seating for unparalleled sight lines and open spaces for congregating”, according to Bears online website (www.chicagobears.com).
The Bears have touted the new stadium as being a perfect host to future Super Bowls, and other large scale sporting and entertainment events, such as concerts.
Soldier Field, the Bears current home, is the oldest stadium now in the NFL. It opened in 1924, meaning that the 2024 season will be its 100 year anniversary.
The stadium has faced several large renovations over the years, the most notable occurring in 2003 when the stadium received an extensive redesign, including the entire demolishment of the stadiums interior.
However, the stadium has received criticism for it’s rather small capacity of around 62,000 seats, which is small by both NFL standards and also small for a major NFL franchise located in a large city like Chicago.
The new stadium would incorporate a much larger seating capacity, along with luxury amenities that are largely missing from Soldier Field.
The Bears have stated that they are aiming to break ground in 2025 and that the stadium could open for the 2028 NFL season.
[…] pay for the new stadium the Bears have stated that they plan to contribute around $2 billion to the project, with the rest […]