The Chicago Bears have reaffirmed their commitment to building a new state-of-the-art stadium in Arlington Heights, signaling one of the most transformative developments in Illinois sports and entertainment history. In a letter to fans, Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren emphasized that the new stadium will be privately funded with no direct state money, while delivering massive economic, cultural, and workforce benefits.
A Vision for Arlington Heights
The Bears’ vision extends far beyond football. Anchored by a fixed-roof stadium, the proposed project includes a sweeping mixed-use district that would feature restaurants, retail, offices, hotels, residential units, entertainment venues, and public parks. This development would transform the former Arlington International Racecourse site into a year-round destination for fans, residents, and tourists alike.
Kevin Warren underscored that the Arlington Heights site is the only location in Cook County capable of meeting the franchise’s goals: a world-class stadium paired with infrastructure and property tax solutions that serve the broader community. With more than half of season ticket holders living within 25 miles of Arlington Heights, the project is positioned to better serve the fan base while cementing the Bears’ future.
Economic and Workforce Impact
The proposed stadium and district carry staggering economic projections:
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Construction Phase: 48,000 to 56,000 construction jobs created
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Permanent Employment: More than 9,000 permanent jobs once the district is operational
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Total Economic Impact: Up to $10 billion statewide
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Annual Business and Tourism Impact: $256 million
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Labor Income During Construction: $3.9 billion regionally
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Annual Labor Income from Operations: $601 million
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Tax Revenue Generation: $16 million annually for Arlington Heights, $9.8 million for Cook County, and $51.3 million for the State of Illinois
These figures highlight not only the immediate benefits for construction trades and labor unions but also the long-term opportunities across hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors.
Stadium and District Features
While design details are still evolving, early plans call for:
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Fixed-Roof Stadium: Capable of hosting NFL games, Super Bowls, Final Fours, global soccer matches, concerts, and community events
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Mixed-Use District: Restaurants, office space, hotel accommodations, fitness centers, and residential housing
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Public Amenities: Parks, plazas, and open spaces to create a community-centered environment
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Transportation Integration: Proximity to highways and potential infrastructure upgrades to support year-round visitation
Block Club Chicago reports that the Bears organization stresses that this development is meant to serve Cook County and Illinois communities 365 days a year, not just during football season.
Opportunities for Construction Trades
The project will require thousands of skilled tradespeople and specialists across multiple fields:
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Demolition Crews: For preparing the site of the former racecourse
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General Contractors and Project Managers: Overseeing large-scale phased construction
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Structural and Civil Engineers: Designing foundations and stadium infrastructure
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Steelworkers and Ironworkers: Building the stadium’s fixed roof and large-span structures
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Concrete Crews: Constructing podiums, concourses, and support facilities
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Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Technicians: Equipping the stadium with modern systems
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Glaziers and Facade Specialists: Installing curtain walls, glass, and architectural finishes
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Interior Fit-Out Specialists: Delivering stadium seating, luxury suites, concession stands, and offices
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Landscape Architects and Crews: Designing and implementing parks, plazas, and open spaces
This scope ensures opportunities for nearly every construction trade, making it one of the most significant building projects in Illinois’ recent history.
Looking Ahead
The Bears’ timeline is ambitious, with hopes of finalizing plans this year to position the stadium for marquee events such as the Super Bowl in 2031. While public funding will not be used for stadium construction, the team has acknowledged the need for state and local collaboration on infrastructure upgrades to ensure long-term success.
As Chicago competes with other major cities in attracting sports and entertainment events, this once-in-a-generation development could redefine the region’s identity as a premier destination. For construction workers, the project represents years of employment opportunities across multiple disciplines. For fans and residents, it promises a transformative new home for the Chicago Bears and a lasting legacy for Illinois.
