Arlington Heights, Illinois, September 10, 2025
News Summary
A Chicago NFL team has confirmed plans to build a privately financed fixed‑roof domed stadium and a surrounding mixed‑use district on a 326‑acre suburban site. The full development is projected as roughly a $5 billion investment, with the stadium portion about $2 billion and seating for 65,000–70,000 fans. Project leaders say construction could generate tens of thousands of construction jobs and significant statewide economic impact, and that stadium construction will proceed without state funding. Plans include retail, housing, a hotel, parkland, planned commuter rail access, expanded roads and extensive approvals and studies before groundbreaking.
Chicago Bears confirm plan for a privately financed domed stadium and mixed‑use district in Arlington Heights
What happened: The professional football team confirmed plans to build a new fixed‑roof domed stadium and a surrounding mixed‑use district on the 326‑acre former Arlington International Racecourse site in Arlington Heights. The team describes the full development as a $5 billion private investment, with the stadium construction alone estimated at $2 billion. Team officials say the build would require zero state funding for the stadium itself.
Key details up front
- Site: 326 acres at the former racecourse, purchased by the team in 2023 for $197 million.
- Cost: Total site development projected near $5 billion; stadium estimated at $2 billion.
- Capacity: Planned seating between 65,000–70,000 fans under a fixed roof.
- Jobs: More than 56,000 construction jobs during building and about 9,000 permanent jobs when operational.
- Economic impact: Team projects roughly $10 billion in statewide economic impact.
Planned features and site work
Current plans include retail, restaurants, housing, a hotel, parkland and an entertainment district around the stadium. Transit access plans call for direct commuter rail (Metra) service to the site. The proposal also anticipates expanded parking, new roads and other infrastructure designed to improve access and tailgating activity.
Timeline and approvals
Team leadership has stated readiness to break ground as soon as late 2025 if legislative and local approvals are finalized, with a possible opening as early as 2028. The Village of Arlington Heights has signed a memorandum of understanding with the team. Traffic, infrastructure and tax studies are underway as part of a review process that will inform permitting and final approvals.
Funding, legislation and public role
The team has emphasized that no state dollars will be used to build the stadium itself. Officials are negotiating with state and local leaders on property tax certainty and contributions toward infrastructure. A proposed statewide “mega‑project” bill under consideration could support public infrastructure that serves the site and surrounding community; that bill would not directly fund the stadium construction but could help pay for public improvements that enable the project.
Regional significance
If approved and built as currently outlined, the project would join a short list of privately financed NFL venues and rank among the largest construction projects in the state’s history. Team leadership frames the site as uniquely able to host marquee events, including major national and international sports and entertainment gatherings, and as a transformational redevelopment for the suburb.
Industry context
The announcement arrives at a time when the regional construction market shows mixed signals. Large adaptive reuse and infrastructure projects continue to move forward while new development faces higher interest rates, cost volatility and financing challenges. Builders and contractors are relying on innovation, public incentives and careful risk management to keep projects feasible. Hospitality, multifamily and industrial work remain more active than office construction in current market conditions.
Next steps
Final project approvals will depend on completed traffic and tax studies, negotiated agreements with municipal and state officials, and any legislative actions tied to infrastructure support. The team continues to discuss property tax certainty and infrastructure contributions with state and local leaders and will proceed to permitting and design phases as approvals advance.
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FAQ
Who is building the new stadium and where will it be located?
The professional team confirmed plans to build a fixed‑roof domed stadium and a mixed‑use district on the 326‑acre former Arlington International Racecourse site in Arlington Heights.
How much will the project cost and who is paying?
Total site development is projected near $5 billion, with the stadium alone estimated at $2 billion. Team officials say stadium construction will require no state funding and is planned as a privately financed venture. Discussions with public officials are focused on infrastructure contributions and tax certainty.
How many jobs will the project create?
The team projects more than 56,000 construction jobs during the build and about 9,000 permanent jobs once the site is operational.
What is the proposed seating capacity and type of stadium?
Plans call for a fixed‑roof domed stadium with seating for roughly 65,000 to 70,000 fans.
When could construction start and when might the stadium open?
Team representatives have indicated readiness to break ground as soon as late 2025 if necessary approvals are secured, with a potential opening as early as 2028.
Will public funds be used for the stadium?
The stadium construction is described as privately financed and team officials say no state dollars will go toward building the stadium. Public support under consideration would focus on broader infrastructure and public improvements that serve the site.
Key project features at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site | 326 acres (former Arlington International Racecourse) |
| Purchase price | $197 million (acquired in 2023) |
| Total investment | Approximately $5 billion |
| Stadium cost | About $2 billion |
| Seating capacity | 65,000–70,000 (fixed‑roof dome) |
| Construction jobs | More than 56,000 |
| Permanent jobs | About 9,000 once operational |
| Projected economic impact | Roughly $10 billion statewide |
| Funding | Privately financed for stadium; public contributions may target infrastructure and improvements |
| Transit | Planned direct commuter rail (Metra) access |
| Timeline | Potential groundbreaking late 2025; possible opening in 2028, subject to approvals |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Chicago Construction News: Chicago Bears Arlington Heights stadium project projected at $5 billion
- Wikipedia: Arlington Heights, Illinois
- WISH-TV: Chicago construction firm joins $105M mixed-use project in Westfield
- Google Search: Westfield mixed-use project Chicago
- RE Journals: Construction in Chicago betting big amid financing headwinds
- Google Scholar: construction financing Chicago
- Chicago Construction News: Chicago leads U.S. metros in drop in new apartment construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: apartment construction
- Chicago Tribune: Obama Center construction $615 million, opening nears
- Google News: Obama Presidential Center construction
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