A Different Solution For A New Stadium Near Soldier Field
When Kevin Warren became the President of Operations for the Bears, one of his main tasks was to oversee the project of building a new stadium to be owned and operated by the team. Many thought it would be built in Arlington Heights. After all, the Bears had closed on the property where the famous Arlington Park Race Course stood earlier this year. Since then, the grandstand has been demolished in preparation for construction to begin.
Plans hit a snag when the Cook County Tax Assessor’s office hit the Bears with a staggering 6-fold increase in the property’s value. The land was previously assessed at a value of $33 million, but the greed of Cook County officials reassessed the land. The new value was set at $197 million. After talks stagnated between the Bears and county officials, Warren decided to take another look at other locations. Warren has discussed the opportunity with Chicago’s new mayor, Brandon Johnson. Warren has also heard from several communities that would welcome a new Bears stadium. Aurora, Naperville, Waukegan, and Country Club Hills have all indicated interest.
In a story that broke over the past week, we learned a feasibility study was underway, looking at the south lot at Soldier Field. Would it be suitable for a new stadium?
When looking at an aerial view of the area, it would appear unlikely the parking lot is a suitable location. There just isn’t enough room. Old McCormick Place could be demolished to provide additional space, but it is a far cry from the acreage available in Arlington Heights.
The Bears desire to own the land, and the stadium also has a few kinks that need to be ironed out. According to sources, ordinances prohibit lakefront property from being owned by a private entity. This would seem unlikely unless the city passes new legislation to allow the sale of the land to the Bears.
Let’s assume for a moment there is no restriction to the Bears owning property in the area. Here is an idea that would work. There is more than enough room to build a new stadium, a place for fans to watch the game, and other events on huge video boards similar to the Deer District in Milwaukee, restaurants, and a shopping district just east of Soldier Field.
Burnham Harbor!
Chicago can take a page out of their history books and create a stadium there. Every inch of real estate in that area was once part of Lake Michigan. The last big project there happened over a century ago when a landfill project was used to create Northerly Island in the 1920s. The technology to do it exists. Tenants calling the Harbor home can easily be relocated between the Aquarium and the Planetarium, and the east shore of Northerly Island. The new stadium’s design, with glass windows to showcase the amazing skyline of Chicago, is just one plus.
Restaurants and a Chicago Sports Hall of Fame are several year-round businesses that could be incorporated into the design either under the same roof or adjoining the stadium.
Once the stadium is built, Soldier Field could still be utilized for college and high school games, soccer matches, concerts, and more.
News and notes
After beginning the week practically injury-free, Equanimeous St. Brown has been ruled out after sustaining a pec injury on Wednesday. Velus Jones is battling an illness and is questionable. Tyler Scott tweaked his hamstring and is now also questionable for the rematch vs the Detroit Lions on Sunday.