Chicago architecture firm proposes renderings of new Bears stadium near current White Sox location
ABC7 Chicago • • sports
Key Points:
- Chicago architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has released renderings envisioning a new Chicago Bears stadium at Rate Field, integrated within a mixed-use district featuring housing, parks, and entertainment with public transit access.
- The proposal aims to keep the Bears in Chicago but requires the White Sox to relocate first, with a new baseball stadium proposed for the South Loop area.
- Community advocates and neighbors have expressed concerns about being excluded from the development conversation, emphasizing the need for local input and prioritizing opposition to a proposed Amtrak maintenance facility in the area.
- Alderman Nicole Lee supports keeping the White Sox at Rate Field and opposes the Amtrak maintenance facility, highlighting community priorities over the stadium proposal.
- The Bears continue exploring other stadium options, including in Hammond, Indiana, while Illinois lawmakers work to retain the team in the state; the Rate Field stadium concept remains a preliminary proposal amid ongoing community and development debates.
