The Bears held a community meeting regarding the proposed Arlington Heights stadium on Thursday, where chairman George McCaskey, president/CEO Ted Phillips, senior vice president of marketing Scott Hagel, and senior vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion Tanesha Wade all spoke.
While they didn’t reveal specifics about the stadium, one thing they did discuss is whether the stadium will be enclosed or open.
So long, Bear weather. The organization plans on an enclosed stadium for its Arlington Heights property. They did research on the potential of a retractable roof, but Phillips said the costs are “prohibitive” and “the return isn’t there.”
Phillips explained why they want an enclosed stadium rather than an open one like Soldier Field. And his answer won’t surprise you in the slightest.
“It hopefully can attract major events like the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, concerts, Final Four,” Phillips said, via NBC Sports Chicago. “We don’t have a facility like that now.”
Phillips specifically referenced U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota as an example of an enclosed stadium that makes you feel like you’re outside.
The Bears are scheduled to close on the Arlington Park property in late 2022 or early 2023.
