Bears announce plans for new state-of-the-art stadium near lakefront

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The had a news conference Wednesday to announce plans for "a state-of-the-art, publicly owned enclosed stadium" on the city's Museum Campus near Lake Michigan.The plans also call for additional green and open space with acce s to the lakefront.The team said last month it was prepared to provide more than $2 billion in funding toward a publicly owned stadium in the city.ADVERTISEMENT  "The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region  boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue," team president Kevin Warren said on March 11.Warren Luke Kennard Jersey 's statement signaled a shift in focus away from building a new home in the suburbs.The new stadium would be very close to their current one, Soldier Field, which has been the Bears' home since 1971. The team's lease there runs through 2033.The Bears spent $197.2 million more than a year ago to purchase the site of the shuttered Arlington International Racecourse from Churchill Downs Inc. in suburban Arlington Heights. The team envisioned building a stadium on the 326-acre tract of land some 30 miles northwest of Soldier Field, with restaurants, retail and more on the property  all for about $5 billion, with some taxpayer help.The Bears said they would pay for the stadium in Arlington Heights, with taxpayer dollars covering infrastructure costs such as roads and sewers. Those plans stalled, with the team citing a property a se sment it said was too high.Mayor Brandon Johnson has made it clear he wants to keep the team in the city."I have said all along that meaningful private investment and a strong emphasis on public benefit are my requirements for public-private partnerships in our city," Johnson said last month.Reporting by The A sociated Pre s. FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience  National Football League  Chicago Bears  JaMychal Green Jersey