Why do the Bears want to leave Chicago?

More on the economic standpoint, the Bears do not own the restaurants/businesses around Soldier Field. In Arlington Heights, the team has ample land to build around a stadium like other NFL teams have to create a lucrative cash cow.
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Why do the Bears want to move out of Chicago?

The Bears Aren't Very Happy With Soldier Field

There are 13 stadiums that can hold 70,000-plus, and most of those are in smaller markets than the Chicago area. It has also been problematic for the Bears to rent the stadium from the Chicago Park District rather than owning their own building.
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Why are the Bears moving from Soldier Field?

The Chicago Bears signed a purchase agreement for Arlington International Racecourse in September 2021, a move that takes the team a step closer toward securing property for a new stadium and leaving their longtime home at Soldier Field.
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Where are the Chicago Bears trying to move to?

New Bears president Kevin Warren committed to plan for new stadium in Arlington Heights. CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Bears officially introduced new president and CEO Kevin Warren on Tuesday, and he made it clear he's ready to lead the team's move out of the city and into a new stadium in Arlington Heights.
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Are the Chicago Bears leaving Soldier Field?

Bears have lease with Soldier Field until 2033.
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Mayor tires to prevent Bears from leaving Chicago | On Balance



Can Bears break Soldier Field lease?

The short answer -- yes. The Bears and the Chicago Park District have a lease that runs through 2033. But, they can break that lease as soon as 2026 at the cost of $84 million. This is a small cost to building a new stadium.
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Will Chicago get another NFL team?

But as CBS 2's Jackie Kostek reported Wednesday, experts think such an idea likely is not realistic. Mayor Lightfoot has said there are a lot of other cities that have two NFL teams. In fact, there are only two – New York and Los Angeles.
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Why the Bears should move to Arlington Heights?

The Bears should move out of Soldier Field because a new stadium would open up more opportunities for the team to generate revenue and would help the city of Arlington Heights to generate more money, carry more seats for more fans to attend the games, keep winter cold out with a dome, and the restaurants around the ...
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How will the Bears pay for a new stadium?

The stadium costs $2 billion and $750 million will be paid through bonds over 30 years. Allegiant Stadium represents the largest sum of public money ever used for a stadium project in the United States.
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Could the Bears move to Arlington Heights?

CHICAGO — The Bears have finalized their deal to buy an Arlington Heights property, taking a major step forward toward potentially moving the team to the suburbs. The team announced in a Wednesday tweet officials closed on the suburban property last week. The purchase does not guarantee the team will leave, though.
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Why are the Bears getting a new stadium?

They want a tier one stadium environment to maximize revenues, and we agree that we are going to keep making the case to the Bears, the NFL and public that a revitalized Soldier Field makes the most economic sense for that storied franchise," Lightfoot said during an address Monday.
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What is the biggest NFL stadium?

MetLife Stadium is the largest NFL stadium with a standard capacity of 82,500. Soldier Field is the smallest NFL stadium with a standard capacity of 61,500.
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  • There are 30 stadiums in the NFL.
  • Three stadiums have a base capacity of at least 80,000.
  • Soldier Field is the smallest NFL stadium.
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Why are so many people moving out of Chicago?

Nearly half of Illinoisans have thought about moving away, citing high taxes as their No. 1 reason. Population decline also contributes to the lower economic prospects of the state, as working-age families leave and fewer residents are left to shoulder increasing tax burdens.
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Why do people not like Soldier Field?

Soldier Field does not have a dome to block the field from Chicago's harsh winters. This makes the stadium arguably less appealing to play at. While some fans embrace the cold as "football weather," others are discouraged from attending games because of the brutal temperatures.
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Does Ashton Kutcher like the Chicago Bears?

(2) Ashton Kutcher

The popular actor and venture capitalist, best known for appearing in "That '70s Show" and creating the TV show "Punk'd," has been an avid Bears fan since growing up in Iowa.
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How much does Chicago still owe on Soldier Field?

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, which handles Soldier Field's debt, says the stadium's 2003 renovations still haven't been paid off and the city owes more than $631 million by 2032.
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Do taxpayers pay for new stadiums?

Since 2000, public funds diverted to helping build professional sports stadiums and arenas have cost taxpayers $4.3 billion. While the NFL and team owners contend that building stadiums will provide economic growth for a city, economists and urban planners think otherwise.
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What are the Bears going to do with Arlington Park?

Chicago Bears close on Arlington Park property, bringing move to suburbs one step closer. The Chicago Bears have officially closed on the former Arlington Heights race track Wednesday, moving the team one step closer to moving to the suburbs. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill.
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What did Bears pay for Arlington?

The Bears entered a $197 million purchase agreement in September 2021, but they must finalize the agreement before they officially own the land.
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Is Arlington Heights Middle Class?

Arlington Heights is a high class community, and that comes with hefty costs, with the cost of living being 36% higher on average than other places in America.
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What is the biggest city without a NFL team?

San Antonio

It's the largest city in America without an NFL franchise. Despite having a small media market, the San Antonio Spurs proved that Alamo City has what it takes to host a professional sports team.
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Which city needs an NFL team?

Cities that Deserve NFL Franchises
  • Mexico City. So I strongly believe Mexico City should have an NFL team. ...
  • Hawaii. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • Los Angeles. ...
  • Las Vegas. ...
  • El Paso, Texas. ...
  • London. ...
  • NYC or Brooklyn.
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What is the smallest NFL city?

Among all 32 NFL teams, the Green Bay Packers are based in the smallest U.S. market, ranking 139th in the country. In comparison, the city of New Orleans ranks a spot above Green Bay for 31st in population, having the 51st highest population in the country.
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What do Chicago Bears pay to lease Soldier Field?

The Bears pay $6.48 million annually to use Soldier Field, under the terms of a lease set to expire in 2033 that can be terminated early as long as the team pays a penalty.
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