The Chicago Bears have taken a significant stride towards securing a new stadium.
Soldier Field is by far the eldest stadium in the NFL today, and it's not even close.
The abode of the Chicago Bears first opened its doors in 1924 � that's 33 years before the next eldest stadium, Lambeau Field. So, yeah, Soldier Field is really darn old.
While the nostalgia and history of the edifice are cool and all, people these days enjoy their state-of-the-art edifices with all of the latest, coolest features. And in an effort to keep with the times, the Chicago Bears ownership group has decided that it's time to move on from their nearly centenarian home and into something much more modern.
The Bears are said to be in the process of finding a new abode, and on Wednesday they took a major step towards getting that new stadium.
According to reports, the Bears have purchased 326 acres of property in suburban Arlington Heights. The purchase cost them a whopping $197.2-million. However, it has been noted that this recent development does not ensure that the team will be getting the «enclosed state-of-the-art stadium.» There is still plenty of work to be done.
Via TheScore:
The team cautioned, however, that the purchase doesn't mean plans for a new domed stadium and an entertainment district will come to fruition.
«There is still a tremendous amount of due diligence work to be done to determine if constructing an enclosed state-of-the-art stadium and multipurpose entertainment district is feasible,» the Bears said in a statement.
If the stadium and accompanying entertainment district are eventually built, they are expected to generate 48,000 jobs and $9.4-billion for the local economy, according to economic analysts. «The Bears will continue to work closely alongside the Village of Arlington Heights, surrounding municipalities, and their residents to solicit extensive feedback on how we can best benefit local communities and Bears fans across Illinois,» the statement reads. «This planning will include a robust diversity, equity, and inclusion program that prioritizes local hiring throughout every stage of the development.»
While Soldier Field was opened in 1924, it didn't become home to the Bears until 1970. In 2003, it underwent a massive, highly scrutinized renovation project, upgrading the seating inside while maintaining the historic look outside the stadium.
| POLL | ||
20 FEVRIER | 84 ANSWERS The Chicago Bears have taken a significant stride towards securing a new stadium. Are you glad that the Bears are moving out of Soldier Field? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 65.5 % |
| No | 29 | 34.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
