Chicago Bears unveil lakefront stadium plan

Update: The Chicago Bears unveiled plans April 24, 2024, to build a futuristic domed lakefront stadium and asked taxpayers to pick up approximately $2.4 billion of the total $4.75 billion cost of the project.

The team said they're ready to front $2 billion of an estimated $4.75 billion price tag. Although Frank Bilecki, executive director of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, told the Chicago Sun-Times that number is more like $6.9 billion.

The new stadium is estimated to cost $3.225 billion, with over 72% of the project funded by a $2.3 billion investment by the Chicago Bears and NFL. To fill the $900 million funding gap, the Chicago Bears are working with the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA) to extend bonds for 40 years.