Bears’ $5 Billion Stadium Proposal, No. 1 Draft Pick Shows Team Reinventing Itself

The Chicago Bears’ $5 billion proposal for a brand new lakefront stadium, ahead of their anticipated No. 1 overall pick at tonight’s NFL Draft, marks an inflection point for a franchise reimagining itself for the future.& Under the plan, the new stadium would be built next to the current Soldier Field, one of the NFL’s smaller venues. It would sport a translucent roof and enormous windows to allow natural light to enter while providing spectacular views of the city’s lakefront.& The franchise made the announcement on Wednesday, detailing the team’s plans to privately invest more than $2 billion to cover over 70% of the costs of constructing the futuristic-looking venue. Moreover, the stadium would be enclosed, allowing the Chicago Park District-owned stadium to host significant events year-round, including a future Super Bowl.& “This marks a pivotal moment for Chicago as we introduce a visionary project prioritizing the public good,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said at the Wednesday press conference.& Johnson added that the “The Chicago Bears’ proposal goes beyond mere construction: It will cultivate economic growth, job creation, and community enrichment. I commend the team for their dedication to serving the greater good with private investment, and I look forward...