Between the coaching staff changes, quarterback roulette, and stadium uncertainty, it feels jarring to be a Bears fan right now. The team is reportedly in the works to bring a new south-side stadium to Chicago, and QB Justin Fields is no longer in the locker room.
Amidst the constant changes and shake-ups, there’s one question Illinois bettors might have: Will the new Bears stadium have a sportsbook?
Let’s explore the question in detail and see if we can squeeze some positive hope out of this ailing franchise.
Da Bears staying in da city?
In 2021, the Bears bought land in Arlington Heights. The plot was the former home of the Arlington Park racetrack. All signs pointed to the Bears moving to the burbs and leaving Soldier Field behind.
The Bears seemed to have outgrown Solider Field and began seeking new stadium options. Plus, the Chicago Park District historically made it difficult for the Bears to make significant changes to the arena.
However, finding an alternate location was always a possibility, and the Bears did just that. Now, the team plans to stick to the Second City with a new development right next door to the existing Soldier Field. The Bears have agreed to fork up a whopping $2 billion for the new stadium and add new open space to the museum campus.
According to NBC5 Chicago, Bears CEO and President Kevin Warren said:
“The Chicago Bears are committed to contributing over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago. 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. We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.”
Could a new stadium feature a retail sportsbook?
With plans for the new stadium more or less confirmed, a question remains on whether or not it will house a sportsbook.
In 2022, PlayIllinois suggested the Bears could add a sportsbook to the then-likely Arlington Heights stadium. The year before, Chicago feuded with the Park District over its plans to open a sports betting area within Soldier Field.
A new stadium plan could bring a new outlook for the Bears’ home-turf sportsbook. Recent successes with other Chicago team partnerships—FanDuel’s sportsbook at the United Center and DraftKings at Wrigley Field—could prove eye-opening for the Bears and the park district.
The Bears already have a stalwart partner in BetRivers, a local company dedicated to bringing Chicago flair to its Illinois projects. And bettors in the state can already place bets online at BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook.
While we’re likely months away from any sort of confirmation, I’d wager a guess that the new Bears stadium will have a dedicated Illinois sports betting space.
