In a press conference that just concluded, the Bears revealed their plans for the new stadium that could be constructed adjacent to their current home.
George McCaskey started the meeting with a few words. He discussed how they brought in Kevin Warren to spearhead the project. He then introduced Warren.
Kevin Warren thanked the McCaskey family for the opportunity to bring a new stadium to the team and the city. The entire press conference can be viewed here.
“This is not an easy project, but chicago doesn’t like easy.”
Kevin Warren
Warren delivered his plan for the stadium one year and seven days into his tenure. Mayor Johnson announced there would be no increased taxes on the residents of Chicago.
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Here are renderings that were introduced during the press conference:
This is a great day for the city of Chicago and the Bears franchise. With the new domed facility, Chicago can host several great events that were previously out of reach. Super Bowls, the Final Four, the Big Ten Football Championship. The NCAA football championship game, even a college bowl game could find a permanent home in Chicago.
The plans include an extensive green area where Soldier Field now stands. The existing stadium would be demolished and park areas would be constructed. Renderings showed a few football and soccer fields. The plan calls for keeping the iconic columns that remained during the renovations of Soldier Field in 2002.
This is a giant step for the Bears and the city of Chicago. Now we need to see shovels hit the ground sooner than later.
Is it right next to McCormick Place?
How do they deal with traffic on LSD? If it is close to McCormick, they can probably park in same areas, but that isn’t enough for 35,000.
I think this plan also wipes out the idea of multi-use, and multi-access city and commercial facilities.
I do like the idea that rich box holders can fly in to Meigs Field. Better air access (for all of us thousands who have planes and choppers) than anyone in the NFL.
The south lot didn’t have a ton of parking spaces. There’s far more available parking than in Wrigleyville. Simple solution is to build parking at area 78 whether or not the site ever gets used for a Sox stadium.
Ya you’re both right. Even less parking. Will have to walk 2 miles from some crappy parking lot that’s over filled and costs $75 to park. Starting to wonder about this Warren guy. Whole idea of downtown seams like a bad idea all around. Why pay rent when you can own! Won’t be going to any games downtown. Quit going to home games years ago because of the hassle of getting in and out. It’s easier to fly to Phoenix or Jacksonville or KC to see games than going onto downtown.
I’m with Dr. Melhus on this one. It looks like the new location is where parking is currently located. With a green area for the current SF where do they plan to have parking?
Is it just me, or does it look to everyone else like there will be even less parking then there is now? If so, what’s the plan for that?