Bears reject idea of dome addition at Soldier Field

The Chicago Bears are looking to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights and they aren't interested in the city's ideas about renovations at Soldier Field.

Earlier in the week, Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot announced several recommended renovations at Soldier Field, including a dome that could cost anywhere from $400 million to $1.5 billion to build. The Bears said Friday that the team will not consider the idea. 

"The only potential project the Chicago Bears are exploring for a new stadium development is Arlington Park," a team spokesperson told the Daily Herald. "As part of our mutual agreement with the seller of that property, we are not pursuing alternative stadium deals or sites, including renovations to Soldier Field, while we are under contract."

In September 2021, the Bears reached a nearly $200 million agreement to purchase the 326 acres of land where former horse racing track Arlington Park stands. The track closed in 2021 and the team reportedly hired an architecture firm in March 2022 to begin plans for a stadium on the site.

The Bears played games at Soldier Field as early as 1926, but didn't move in full-time until 1971. In 2002 and 2003, the stadium underwent a $632 million renovation, but its total capacity dropped to 61,500, making it the smallest in the NFL.

Soldier Field also serves as the home of Chicago Fire FC of Major League Soccer.