Chicago is pushing for the possibility of making their current location more appealing as the Bears move to Arlington Heights.
According to Sports Business Journal, a Chicago mayoral committee will recommend that Soldier Field be covered with a dome.
According to Crain's Chicago Business, a dome could cost anywhere from $400 million to $1.5 billion.
There are other options, including upgrades to the stadium (including major rebuilding of some parts) or selling naming rights in order to generate revenue to pay for improvements.
Although the Bears have reached a deal to purchase land in Arlington Heights, it is not expected that the deal will close before next year. It's a long-term deal and the dance between a team looking for a better venue, and a city who doesn't want it all.
The Bears are using leverage to build their stadium if Chicago doesn’t improve Soldier Field. This has a political aspect to it. The Chicago powers-that be won't want to blame the Bears for moving to the suburbs. Chicago politicians may make an offer to the Bears that they refuse. The politicians can point fingers at the team for refusing to work with Soldier Field.
