The Bears have changed their stadium plans again, now saying they want to stay in the city of Chicago, rather than move to the suburbs.
The new plan is for the stadium that would receive taxpayer funding and public ownership, but the Bears would contribute $2 billion.
“The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute more than $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. “The future stadium for the Chicago Bears will provide a transformative opportunity for our region – boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating major events and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing more information as our plans are finalized.”
The Bears had previously agreed to purchase a race track in the Arlington Heights suburb of Chicago, Illinois, and build a stadium on it. But when the projected property tax bill for that stadium proved much higher than the Bears had anticipated, the team balked.
The Bears have played in Chicago for almost their entire franchise history. After founding in Decatur, Illinois, in 1919, they moved to Wrigley Field in 1921 and remained there until 1971, when they moved to Soldier Field. They have been at Soldier Field every season since except for 2002, when they played at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois during the renovation of Soldier Field.
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