While the official answer has been up in the air for a while now, higher up team executives recently offered a bit of insight on the major football team’s plans.
At a press conference earlier this week where the team introduced their new team president and CEO, Kevin Warren, while also confirming they still plan to move to Arlington Park this quarter.
Don’t expect a big announcement right away as there’s still a lot to be done on the new property, a 326 acre plot in Arlington. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that this process requires physical and financial due diligence.
They do anticipate closing on the property this quarter, though they still have to get property tax certainty and need to lock down their infrastructure funding. The lease on Soldier Field does run to 2033 with the team saying they’ll honor the terms– but that doesn’t mean they can’t buy themselves out early.
The stadium will be built on Arlington International Racecourse, a former historic race track that’s been around since 1927.
New CEO Kevin Warren, who previously built the U.S. Bank Stadium for the Vikings in Minneapolis, warns not to expect to attend a game any time soon as construction has yet to begin, with Warren noting he’ll have an update in about six months. In estimating an opening timeline, it could very well be in construction until 2027.
[Featured photo via: Chicago Bears]