Soldier Field – design description

What does the Soldier Field expansion project look like in brief?

The proposed expansion of Soldier Field is intended as an alternative to a potential relocation of the Chicago Bears and the construction of a new stadium at another site. The concept includes a full transparent roof covering the venue, as well as the expansion of the stands and the suites building. An important element of the plan is also the addition of new high-rise towers in the surrounding area, which would serve as an additional source of revenue for the city and the team.

How was the Soldier Field expansion project created?

The idea of expanding Soldier Field emerged as an alternative proposal for the NFL team, the Chicago Bears, which is planning to build a new stadium in another location. The concept, published on March 19, 2026, was prepared by the Edward Peck Design.

According to information provided by Edward Peck Design, the project was commissioned by a Chicago Bears fan who believes the team should remain at Soldier Field. The concept is preliminary and illustrative in nature, and its purpose is to reopen the discussion about the possibility of the Bears staying at their current stadium.

What is Soldier Field like today?

Located close to downtown Chicago, Soldier Field opened in 1924 and underwent a complete reconstruction in 2002–2003. The stadium features a distinctive modern design, complemented by classical elements preserved from the previous structure.

The main drawbacks remain the lack of a roof and the smallest capacity in the NFL (61,500 seats). The Bears have played at the stadium since 1971, and the current lease agreement runs until 2033.

Where do the Chicago Bears want to build a new stadium?

The saga surrounding a potential relocation of the Bears has been ongoing since 2021, when the team expressed interest in purchasing the Arlington Heights horse racing track in order to build a new stadium there (the transaction was finalized in early 2023).

Since then, a number of alternative proposals have emerged. As early as 2022, then-Mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot attempted to persuade the Bears to remain at their current venue by presenting a first Soldier Field expansion proposal, but the team showed no interest in those plans at the time.

In 2024, it appeared that the Bears would stay in downtown Chicago after unveiling a concept for a new stadium to be built immediately adjacent to the existing Soldier Field. However, their focus later returned to Arlington Heights, followed by discussions of a potential move out of state – to Hammond, Indiana.

What does the Soldier Field expansion concept include?

The most significant change proposed in the Edward Peck Design concept is the addition of a full roof over the stadium. The roof would be built as a separate structure and covered with transparent ETFE material, allowing natural grass to be maintained inside.

A fully covered stadium would make it possible to host a wide range of sports and cultural events year-round, regardless of weather conditions, as well as to bid for major events such as the Super Bowl.

The plan also includes the expansion of the upper tier of the west stand and the addition of two levels of suites on the east side, increasing the stadium’s capacity to 72,000. A panoramic video board would be suspended beneath the roof.

The project also covers the redevelopment of the stadium’s surroundings. In addition to improving the area’s appearance, a key element of the plan is the construction of high-rise buildings on the west side (Entertainment District), to be built above Lake Shore Drive (which would be relocated into a tunnel). These developments, featuring apartments, hotels, and restaurants, are intended to serve as a significant source of revenue for both the city and the team.