Bears focus on new lakefront stadium

Potentially punting plans for a move to the suburbs, the Chicago Bears are focused instead on building a new stadium near the current site of Soldier Field on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The Bears face hurdles, including an ordinance that blocks building projects on the lakefront, but are hoping to use a site south of their current stadium to build a billion-dollar multi-use dome with more than $2 billion contributed by the team. A lease for Soldier Field, which is part of Chicago's museum campus, runs through 2033.

"The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago," Bears team president and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement to ESPN. "The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region — boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized."

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson confirmed the two sides are discussing the project.

"I have said all along that meaningful private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit are my requirements for public-private partnerships in our city. The Chicago Bears' plans are a welcome step in that direction and a testament to Chicago's economic vitality," he said Monday.

The Bears purchased a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago and investigated building the multi-purpose stadium at the site, which was formerly the home of Arlington International Racecourse, a horse racing venue.

Soldier Field has the smallest capacity of all 32 home stadiums in the NFL at just over 61,000.

—Field Level Media