Chicago Unveils $630M Plan for Soldier Field If Bears Leave

The Chicago Park District just pitched a $630 million plan for the future of Soldier Field if the Chicago Bears decide to leave the city.

New Home of the Chicago Bears

Typically, I don't follow much Chicago Bears news, but all this possibly-moving-to-Indiana talk has definitely caught my attention.

When news first broke that Indiana had thrown their hat in the ring to be the new home of the Chicago Bears, most people thought it was just some convincing AI trickery. The truth is, the 'Chicago Bears of Indiana' could become a thing sooner rather than later if Illinois doesn't get its act together.

The Bears calling anywhere other than Illinois home may sound completely ridiculous, but the reality is the proposed site for the Bears' new stadium in Indiana isn't too far outside of Chicago, and the team has called the proposal "the most meaningful step forward".

I think Bears fans may need to brace themselves for a major move in the next few years, and now I can't help but wonder: What will happen to Soldier Field if and when the Bears move out?

Proposed Plan for Soldier Field

When it comes to attending an event at Soldier Field, many people have the same two complaints:

• Driving to Soldier Field sucks.
• Parking at Soldier Field is a nightmare.

If you have those same two complaints, you might like what the Chicago Park District is proposing for Soldier Field's future if the Bears move out.

According to FOX 32 Chicago:

The plan involves transforming the stadium into a massive concert and special event venue, and it carries an expected price tag of $630 million.

$630 million?! It's no secret that Soldier Field needs some renovating, but what exactly would that hefty price tag be covering?

Sources say the money breaks down to $130 million in direct stadium renovations, including a new sound system and new dressing rooms, and half a billion in surrounding infrastructure to tackle traffic management and parking.

The Chicago Park District says the Bears will have to pay $90 million to break their lease at Soldier Field, which would cover a good chunk of the proposed plan costs.

If the Chicago Bears must move, I'm still hoping they end up in Arlington Heights, but at least we know Soldier Field won't be left to rot when they do.