Real estate developer Related Midwest is advocating for the Chicago Bears to construct their next stadium on the former U.S. Steel South Works site, located on the city’s Far South Side.
The 200-acre property sits adjacent to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park , a large-scale quantum campus , at 87th Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive. In a statement published on its website, Related indicated that a new stadium at this location would complement and build upon the investments already established in the surrounding area.
Related Midwest President Curt Bailey conveyed to Crain’s Chicago Business that the site represents the strongest possible opportunity for the Bears to remain both in Chicago and along the lakefront.
According to Related, the site offers existing infrastructure, ample parking, Metra rail access, and sufficient space for boat docks and water taxi services. The company describes the property as the only shovel-ready site of its scale within the city. Related further contends that a stadium and accompanying entertainment district would generate thousands of jobs and position Chicago to host major events such as the Super Bowl, concerts, and community gatherings. The company also noted that construction is already progressing at the neighboring quantum park and at a new Advocate hospital nearby.
Related cited its involvement in The 78, a prominent development in the South Loop, as a demonstration of its capability and experience in managing large-scale projects throughout Chicago.
A video narrated by former Chicago Bear Lance Briggs presents the argument in favor of developing the stadium on the South Side at the South Works site.
It remains unclear whether the Bears have formally responded to Related’s proposal.
The Bears have publicly maintained that the former Arlington Park racetrack site in Arlington Heights , acquired in 2023 for $197 million , and Hammond, Indiana, are their only two viable options for a new stadium. State lawmakers may vote on related stadium legislation during the fall veto session, scheduled for November 17-19 and December 1-3. Sports business expert Marc Ganis noted that discussions have centered on a bill that would authorize a municipality, including Arlington Heights or Chicago, to establish a stadium financing authority.
The state of Illinois is investing $500 million in public funding toward the quantum park, with construction reported to be underway as of August, according to CBS Chicago.
Several other Chicago locations have also been proposed as potential stadium sites, among them a Bridgeport-based stadium concept that a local architecture firm shared publicly on social media.
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