The Chicago Bears have issued an update on their new stadium plans, confirming that they are now looking to build a new ground in the middle of the city, rather than moving out to the suburbs.
The franchise has been playing at Soldier Field since 1971, but with that stadium having the smallest capacity in the NFL at 61,500, they have been exploring possibilities for a new stadium in recent years.
The Bears last year agreed to a racetrack in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights to house a new stadium, but the projected tax bill for the project has seen the club change their plans.
Now, they are looking to contribute $2 billion towards a publicly owned, taxpayer-funded stadium, immediately south of Soldier Field.
“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,” the team said in a statement, as per NBC.
“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.”
This plan would ensure that the Bears’ decade-long residency in the heart of Chicago would be maintained. Founded in Decatur, Illinois in 1919, the Bears played at Wrigley Field between 1921 and 1971, before they moved to their current home.
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