Chicago Park District unveils $630 million plan to renovate Soldier Field after Bears leave

The Chicago Park District proposed a $630 million plan to remake Soldier Field into a major concert and events venue, allocating $130 million for stadium upgrades and $500 million for surrounding infrastructure and parking.

The Chicago Park District has released a $630 million proposal to transform Soldier Field into a major concert and events venue as the Chicago Bears weigh relocation options. The plan would allocate $130 million to stadium renovations and $500 million to surrounding infrastructure and parking. The district emphasized the stadium's role as its largest non-tax revenue source and noted that most revenue comes from non-NFL events. Officials tied the proposal to sustaining tourism, jobs, and year‑round activity on the Museum Campus. Planned funding and effects: - The total proposed budget is $630 million, split into $130 million for stadium upgrades and $500 million for infrastructure and parking around Soldier Field. - Stadium improvements described include a new sound system and new dressing rooms. - The Park District stated Soldier Field generates tens of millions of dollars annually for the district and is its largest non-tax revenue source, with more than 80% of that revenue reported as coming from non-NFL events. - The district cited hotel and tourism revenue from major concerts, noting $39 million from Taylor Swift's Eras Tour stop in June 2023 and $85 million from Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour stop in May 2025. - As the Bears consider relocation, sites proposed have included Arlington Heights, locations in Northwest Indiana (including Hammond, Portage and Gary) and Iowa; recent action by an Indiana committee was reported as advancing an amendment seen as paving the way for a move to Hammond, and Governor J.B. Pritzker has urged clearer signals from team ownership. Summary: If implemented, the plan would reposition Soldier Field primarily as a major concert and events venue intended to support non‑NFL revenue, tourism, and park programs. Undetermined at this time.