Bears Release Initial Renderings for New Pro Sports Complex

The Chicago Bears release initial renderings for new pro sports complex in Arlington Heights. The complex, if built according to plan, will adaptively re-use all 326 acres of the former Arlington Park horse racecourse. Centering on a domed, Super Bowl-quality sports stadium, the arena complex could also host national-level contests such as the college basketball Final Four. The Chic ago Bears released their conceptual plans for the complexon Tuesday, September 6.

Developments around the proposed Arlington Heights stadium would include hospitality room space and places for personal leisure experiences, including but not limited to concert venues, sports bars, and places for groups to gather together. Retail, restaurants, office space, fitness center space, and sports-themed residential spaces would combine to create a permanent sports-themed community complex. Developers have built, and are continuing to develop, similar complexes adjacent to the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys, and the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, home of the Los Angeles Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams.

The Chicago Bears stated that they did not expect to ask for taxpayer help to build the stadium itself. This would completely free up the arena project to lease out its name to the highest bidder. The Bears currently play in Soldier Field; when first completed in 1924, the Chicago stadium was named to honor the soldiers of World War I, but the name now honors all service personnel.