Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has revealed three proposals for renovations to Soldier Field to entice the Bears to remain at their home stadium.
At the center of the proposal is the construction of a domed stadium, which could cost anywhere from $900 million to $2.2 billion.
The three proposals for a dome were laid out as follows:
- The first would fully enclose the stadium by rebuilding both end zones with columns that can support a dome structure.
- The second would require both end zones to be rebuilt with columns to make the stadium dome-ready.
- The third option calls for modifications to make Soldier Field a multipurpose stadium suited to host soccer games while also making it a viable location to accommodate major concerts and a range of events.
The Bears took a step toward leaving historic Soldier Field in September when they signed a $197.2 million purchase and sale agreement with Churchill Downs Inc. for the 326-acre Arlington Park property in suburban Arlington Heights.