McCook, Illinois Proposes Site for New Chicago Bears Stadium

MCCOOK, IL - Recent developments indicate that the Chicago Bears may have a new contender for their proposed stadium location. Following earlier reports that the team was concentrating on Hammond, Indiana, interest has shifted back to Illinois, with state lawmakers actively proposing various sites.

Among them, McCook, a village located about 15 miles southeast of Chicago, has laid out an ambitious plan for the Bears to establish a new home. Mayor Terrance Carr and Clerk Ken Lyons personally presented the proposal to Halas Hall, which highlights a significant 150-acre site currently owned by Vulcan Materials Company. This land, situated at the intersection of 55th Street and East Avenue, was once a filled quarry and is now seen as a prime location for development.

“Vulcan has some concerns,” Mayor Carr acknowledged, yet he noted that the company is open to selling the land for approximately $160 million, recognizing its potential value. The proposal suggests that either the Bears or the village could purchase the property, with the plan for the Bears to construct an 80,000-seat domed stadium that would be gifted to the village. In exchange, the Bears would pay a nominal rent of just $1 per year, allowing the stadium to be publicly owned and exempt from property taxes.

This initiative has been in the works since January, but it has gained momentum with the Bears' leadership now reviewing the details. The location is strategically positioned near Interstates 55 and 294, and also lies along historic Route 66, with a section of the old highway running adjacent to the quarry.

The Bears' search for a new stadium site has garnered significant attention, particularly as they explore options that could solidify their future in Illinois rather than relocating to neighboring states.