Business · Companies · 3 hrs ago
Developers propose $10 billion stadium plan to keep Bears in Chicago
A group of developers has proposed a $10 billion stadium and entertainment district in Chicago to help keep the Bears in the city.
Capri Investment Group and GRIT Chicago want to build it on the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville, on the South Side.
The proposal includes a 75,000-seat venue for NFL games and concerts, as well as homes, hotels, businesses and public spaces.
The Bears’ lease at Soldier Field ends in 2033, and the team is considering sites in Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana.
The developers say they would buy the team’s Arlington Heights property if it is an obstacle to moving elsewhere.
A separate account says the Bears are close to a deal to stay in Illinois, most likely at Arlington Heights, while the team has also declared plans to move to Hammond.
The Chicago proposal offers another possible path as Illinois lawmakers prepare to discuss stadium funding frameworks next week.
Capri Investment Group and GRIT Chicago have proposed a $10 billion stadium and entertainment district in Chicago to help keep the Bears in the city.
The proposal would redevelop about 100 acres at the former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville.
It includes a 75,000-seat stadium, housing, commercial development, recreational facilities, hotels and public space.
The Bears’ lease at Soldier Field ends in 2033, and the team is considering sites in Illinois and Indiana.
Illinois lawmakers are set to meet next week to discuss stadium funding frameworks.
- Who
- Capri Investment Group and GRIT Chicago proposed the plan for the Bears.
- What
- A proposed $10 billion stadium and entertainment district, including a 75,000-seat stadium.
- When
- The proposal was reported on November 14, 2026.
- Where
- The former Michael Reese Hospital site in Bronzeville, on Chicago’s South Side.
- Why
- The developers say the plan could keep the Bears in Chicago and direct investment to South Side communities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A Crain's Chicago Business report said the Bears were close to a deal that would keep them in Illinois and that Arlington Heights was the most likely site.
Capri Investment Group and GRIT Chicago’s proposal for a Bronzeville stadium and entertainment district was reported.
Illinois lawmakers are set to meet to discuss funding frameworks for stadiums in the state.
The Bears’ lease at Soldier Field ends.
- Proposed cost
- $10 billion
- Proposed stadium capacity
- 75,000 seats
- Proposed site area
- About 100 acres
- Neighborhood
- Bronzeville, Chicago’s South Side
- Current stadium lease ends
- 2033
What people are saying
This is about much more than building a stadium or keeping a football team in Chicago.
We have an extraordinary opportunity to retain one of our city's most important institutions while directing transformative investment toward South Side communities.