The Bears Have Released Their Initial Stadium Renderings At Arlington And It Looks MASSIVE

‎In September 2021, the Chicago Bears signed an agreement for the purpose of acquiring 326 acres of property in Arlington Heights to secure the potential of beginning a new and exciting chapter there. We remain under contract to purchase the property, but there are conditions that must be met in order to be in a position to close. If we do close on the property, it does not guarantee we will develop it. While under contract with the seller of Arlington Park, we will not be discussing or exploring any other alternative stadium sites or opportunities, including renovations of Soldier Field. Much remains to be decided, but any decision will be made in the best interests of the Bears long-term future, our fans and the Chicagoland community.

‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎‏‏‎ ‎If the team does proceed with the purchase of the Arlington Park property, and if the Bears organization then chooses to proceed with the development of the property, the project will be one of the largest development projects in Illinois state history. We envision a multi-purpose entertainment district anchored by a new, best-in-class enclosed stadium, providing Chicagoland with a new home worthy of hosting global events such as the Super Bowl, College Football Playoffs, and Final Four.

Below are the images released by Chicago Bears. You can click on the images below to see the full Bears letter about the plans at Arlington

I am in. I was before but seeing this definitely made it seem more real. This, in theory, is a stadium site worthy of the Chicago Bears and the city of Chicago…even if it isn't in Chicago. I want a Super Bowl here. I want a College Football Playoff. I want a Final Four. I want all the things this site can provide that Soldier Field will never be able to. Like being able to take a piss at halftime without missing the entire 3rd quarter or being able to leave the stadium after a game and not have getting home be a 3 hour odyssey. 

I am sure that the big white rectangle is just a placeholder for an actual stadium and that the Bears aren't planning on building a stadium that looks like Muammar Gaddafi was the principle architect. Water feature…a nice touch. Walking over those bridges will feel like the walk on Wembley Way. Adding the city skyline in the 2nd rendering was cool and something that you know will get under Lori Lightfoot's skin which I love. Metra stop to make it convenient for all of us to simply get off the train from the city and walk to the stadium with stops and bars and tailgates on the way. All good things. 

I just don't want a dome. Make it retractable. Don't sacrifice Bear weather. We need that as part of our identity. Wind and weather blows off the plains just like it blows off the lake. Tough to be the Black and Blue division of the old NFC Norris tradition when 3 of the 4 teams play indoors. Make that roof open like the jaws of a Bear and have the weather roar in. Keep me dry and warm under the canopy and let the elements fuck with the opposition. We need that. Other than that…welcome to the 21 century NFL and entertainment. An easy trip in and that great view of the city from the West on your way home. A win win. Except for Lightfoot. 

PS: That pond in the south-center of the map…feels unnecessary. Put the race track there. We still need a racetrack. Get use out of that space in the summer. Please. PLEASE. It's not too late.