Chicago developers pitch new Bears stadium sites as Illinois weighs tax incentives
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A rendering of a proposed stadium on the South Works location in Chicago. Rendering: Courtesy of Related Midwest
Chicago developers are making a renewed push to keep the Bears in the city, unveiling ambitious stadium plans as state lawmakers consider tax incentives to keep the team in Illinois.
The latest: Capri Investment Group, alongside GRIT Chicago, introduced a $10 billion plan on Thursday to transform the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville into a 75,000-seat domed stadium. The project would include housing, hotels, parks and entertainment venues.
- The developers are even offering to buy the Bears' Arlington Heights property to help persuade the team to reconsider Chicago.
Context: The Bears spent years pursuing Arlington Heights before turning their attention to Hammond, Indiana, amid disagreements over property taxes.
- Now, as Springfield considers a potential stadium financing package, Chicago developers want another shot.
The big picture: At least three proposals for new stadiums have surfaced within city limits, all on the South Side.
Zoom in: Related Midwest is pitching the former South Works steel mill site near 87th Street and Lake Michigan, where a quantum computing campus and new hospital are already in development.
- Related Midwest president Curt Bailey tells Axios that his company would partner with the Bears to develop a stadium and surrounding entertainment district, rather than simply sell the team land.
- "It would be a partnership," Bailey says. "We would develop things around it, and ... we would work with the Bears."
Flashback: Related Midwest tried to lure the White Sox to The 78 in the South Loop in 2024, but that stadium deal never materialized. Instead, the Chicago Fire FC are building a new soccer stadium at the site.
Meanwhile: A separate proposal envisions a stadium near Rate Field in Bridgeport, while businessman Willie Wilson has floated a plan to renovate and dome Soldier Field.
Between the lines: Bailey believes the incentives being discussed in Springfield could work for Chicago as well as Arlington Heights.
- "We're confident that the state is going to put together a package that will be one, site-agnostic, and two, would work on a site in Chicago," Bailey tells Axios.
Yes, but: The proposals face substantial obstacles, including financing, land acquisition and whether the Bears are interested.
- Bailey declined to provide details about conversations with the team.
- The Bears previously raised concerns about the Michael Reese site's dimensions and railroad infrastructure.
- The team has already declined to pursue the Rate Field concept, according to previous reporting.
Reality check: The Bears have emphasized owning their stadium and surrounding development, but their willingness to explore other locations raises questions about how firm those requirements really are.
What's next: Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield next week, where stadium legislation could receive hearings before a possible vote in December.
The bottom line: The Bears have shown they're willing to look beyond Arlington Heights. Now Chicago developers want them to look south.