The Chicago Bears have laid out detailed plans for a privately financed domed stadium and mixed-use development in Arlington Heights, a $5 billion project that could reshape the region and deliver far-reaching economic impact.
The project would transform the 326-acre former Arlington International Racecourse property, purchased by the team in 2023 for $197 million, into a year-round destination anchored by a new stadium. The venue is designed to seat between 65,000 and 70,000 fans and would be surrounded by a mixed-use district with restaurants, retail, housing, hotel accommodations, and public parkland.
Projected economic impact
Team officials estimate that the construction would create more than 56,000 construction jobs and register $10 billion in economic impact to the state, in addition to creating about 9,000 permanent jobs once open.
In a letter to fans, Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren described the plan as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and clarified that the team will not seek state financing for stadium construction. “Arlington Heights is the single location that raises the bar to deliver a transformative stadium and entertainment district,” he stated.
The stadium itself is estimated at $2 billion, while the overall site development brings the total to perhaps $5 billion. Planned upgrades include direct train service from Metra, expanded parking, and highway improvements to alleviate congestion and enhance tailgating.
Before Arlington Heights was in its sights, the Bears had eyed a new lakefront stadium on Chicago’s downtown waterfront. That proposal ultimately fell through because it didn’t have a solid financing model as well as adequate available ground, making Arlington Heights the sole site where the team’s requirements could be met. The company also emphasized that this project is an expansion one, not an exodus one, noting that over half of the Bears season-ticket holders are within 25 miles of the site. With hopes to bid on a Super Bowl as early as 2031, officials frame the project as both a quirky expansion engine for Illinois and the next installment in a franchise history that long has made its way through different venues.
The Bears are working with state and local governments to develop bargains on property tax assurance and infrastructure donations. While no state money will be used for construction, a proposed “mega-project” bill pending in Springfield could provide donations for site infrastructure and public improvements.
Projected Construction Timeline
If approvals are obtained, construction might begin as early as late 2025, with the stadium opening in 2028. Officials of the team assert that the building would be able to host the biggest sporting and entertainment events in the world, from the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four to world soccer games and monster concerts.
The Arlington Heights Village has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bears, and traffic, infrastructure, and tax impact studies are already underway. If completed, the project would be one of the largest construction projects in the history of Illinois and become one of a short list of privately financed NFL stadiums.
For the Bears, the move represents a departure from Soldier Field, the NFL’s oldest continuously operating stadium, and a chance to create what Warren called “a truly elevated gameday experience” for one of the league’s most passionate fan bases. This project follows a growing number of stadium construction projects across the U.S.
Project partners
Mixed-Use Development Planner: Hart Howerton, the firm created the renderings and master-planning concepts for the surrounding development, including the district’s commercial, housing, and park elements.
Design & architectural partner team: MANICA, handling stadium design.
Chicago Bears Arlington Heights Stadium and Mixed-Use Development Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: Arlington Heights, Illinois (former Arlington International Racecourse)
Total Investment: $5 billion privately financed development
Stadium Cost: $2 billion
Site Size: 326 acres (purchased 2023 for $197 million)
Stadium Capacity: 65,000 – 70,000 seats
Design: Domed stadium with year-round capabilities
Development Components
Primary Venue: New domed NFL stadium
Mixed-Use District: Restaurants, retail, housing, hotel accommodations
Public Amenities: Parkland and green spaces
Infrastructure: Direct Metra train service, expanded parking, road improvements
Entertainment Capabilities: Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, international soccer, major concerts
Economic Impact Projections
Construction Jobs: 56,000+ positions
Permanent Jobs: 9,000 ongoing positions
Statewide Economic Impact: $10 billion
Project Scale: One of largest construction efforts in Illinois history
Timeline
Construction Start: Late 2025 (pending approvals)
Stadium Opening: 2028
Super Bowl Bid Target: 2031
Funding Structure
Stadium Construction: 100% privately financed (no state funding)
Infrastructure Support: Potential state assistance through proposed “mega-project” bill
Local Agreements: Property tax certainty and infrastructure contributions under negotiation
Current Status
Land Acquisition: Complete (2023)
Planning Phase: Detailed proposals submitted
Environmental Studies: Traffic, infrastructure, and tax impact studies underway
Regulatory Process: Seeking state and local approvals
Community Engagement: Working with Arlington Heights officials
