The Chicago Bears are still weighing their options for a new stadium, with several sites in Illinois and Indiana under consideration. One of the newest proposals comes from McCook, Illinois.

Mayor Terrance Carr remains confident his village can compete despite being much smaller than Arlington Heights. Speaking with Fox 32 Chicago, Carr explained why he believes McCook has a legitimate chance to land the Bears.

"We decided to show them that we had a plan," Carr said. "We put the renderings forward to show everybody that it does fit with restaurant concepts, entertainment zone, of course a dome stadium, and it all fits. You don't need 330 acres to do the stadium."

In a recent interview with Fox 32 Chicago, Carr said the updated renderings were created after questions were raised about whether McCook's 150-acre site could support a full-scale NFL development.

The proposal includes an 80,000-seat domed stadium and a music venue with a retractable roof. Restaurants, a hotel, a skating rink, tailgating areas and a year-round entertainment district.

Carr further argued that McCook could offer financial flexibility. He said the village could use enterprise zones, tax increment financing, and entertainment taxes instead of relying only on property taxes.

"The Bears want to pay property taxes, it's just they want a fair shake and they want to know what it is," Carr said. "They're not looking for a zero tax base. They're a business."

He said the organization is ultimately expected to choose the location that offers the strongest long-term business case.

Although Carr acknowledged he has not spoken directly with Bears officials, he said the village has answered questions about its proposal. He added that McCook will continue pursuing the project.

McCook formally submitted its proposal to the Bears in June through hand-delivered letters. Carr said the organization has not provided a formal response.

That leaves the village waiting alongside several other bidders as the Bears continue evaluating their options for a new home.

Bears continue evaluating multiple stadium sites

McCook is one of several locations under consideration as the Bears search for a long-term replacement for Soldier Field, which has been the team's home since 1971. The franchise also owns the former Arlington Heights racetrack property.

Meanwhile, Hammond, Indiana, has emerged as another leading candidate with a proposed $5 billion stadium project. A separate proposal has also been floated on Chicago's South Side.

Carr believes the process will take time regardless of which location is selected.

"No matter where they go, whether it's McCook, Arlington Heights, or Indiana, you've got two years for design and engineering," Carr said in the same interview.

He noted that construction would likely require another three years. That would make 2031 the earliest realistic opening date for a new stadium.

For now, the Bears have not identified a preferred site. McCook plans to remain in contention while the organization continues evaluating each proposal before making its final decision.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit