NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discusses the plans for a potential new Bears stadium and Chicago’s chances of hosting the Super Bowl.
Since the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Bears at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, February 16, 2000, the Bears have not played in the Super Bowl. 38 years ago, the Bears won their sole Super Bowl, overcoming the New England Patriots at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans last month.
The Bears failed to qualify for the postseason this season. In Las Vegas, there was talk about the location of the Bears’ future home once their Soldier Field contract expires. The location of Super Bowl LVIII is Allegiant Stadium, which debuted less than four years ago, just in time for the Raiders to relocate from Oakland, California.
As Vegas gets ready to host its first-ever Big Game in the domed arena, NFL fans from near and far will swarm Allegiant Stadium. The Chicago Bears would like to do this one day.
“Extra events can be held at a great stadium,” Goodell stated. “I think that’s true in Chicago.”
Since 1971, the Bears have hosted games at Soldier Field. Before that, they shared Wrigley Field with the Cubs. Later this year, Soldier Field itself will commemorate its 100 years of existence. Critics compared the renovations that followed the 2001 NFL season to a flying saucer landing in the center of the ancient stadium and rising to the top of its historic colonnades.
The Bears have made it quite obvious that they intend to relocate from Soldier Field. According to Goodell, “the Bears are committed to being in Chicagoland.”
The Bears paid millions of dollars to acquire the 326 acres of the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights. The image of what might eventually be shown is a domed stadium and hotels at the site of the former racecourse.
However, the Bears were compelled to reevaluate their decision to remain in Chicago due to disagreements between the team and certain suburban school districts over the existing property tax assessment. The parking area south of Soldier Field is along the lakefront. Is it possible for a stadium with a dome to appear there?
“I recently had a conversation with the mayor of Chicago. He desires for them to be in the city. Arlington desires its removal from Arlington,” Goodell remarked. “I think they’ll be able to develop a proposal that will be good for the fans, but I also think it’ll also be great for Chicago.”
Marshall Harris, the director of sports for CBS 2, had a recent interview with Kevin Warren, the president of the Bears.”We’re trying our hardest to find the ideal home for the Chicago Bears,” Warren stated during the interview.
Warren stated that there is still hope for a new Chicago stadium in the interview, which will appear on CBS 2 News following Sunday’s Super Bowl.Warren was also in charge of the Minnesota Vikings’ dome-style stadium. 2016 saw the opening of U.S. Bank Stadium.
He suggested that the Bears might possibly relocate to The 78, the South Loop location near Roosevelt Road and Clark Street, where the White Sox are also planning a building.
I adore Chicago. It’s the best city in the world, as I’ve stated many times. Warren stated, “We’re doing everything we can to determine the best location for the Chicago Bears because you don’t often find gorgeous water along a downtown coast with buildings and our strong business community.”