Proposed privately financed domed stadium and mixed‑use district at the former racecourse site.
Arlington Heights, Illinois, September 10, 2025
A Chicago NFL team has confirmed plans to build a privately financed fixed‑roof domed stadium and a surrounding mixed‑use district on a 326‑acre suburban site. The full development is projected as roughly a $5 billion investment, with the stadium portion about $2 billion and seating for 65,000–70,000 fans. Project leaders say construction could generate tens of thousands of construction jobs and significant statewide economic impact, and that stadium construction will proceed without state funding. Plans include retail, housing, a hotel, parkland, planned commuter rail access, expanded roads and extensive approvals and studies before groundbreaking.
The plan envisions a fixed‑roof, domed stadium with seating for about 65,000–70,000 fans and a surrounding mixed‑use district on a 326‑acre redeveloped site of the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights. The development is described as a 5‑billion private development featuring retail, housing, a hotel, restaurants, park spaces, and other amenities, all without state funding for stadium construction.
Officials say the project would generate substantial economic activity and employment. The plan is expected to support more than 56,000 construction jobs during build and, once operational, about 9,000 permanent jobs, with an estimated statewide economic impact of $10 billion.
The Arlington Heights site was purchased in 2023 for $197 million and would be redeveloped into a multi‑use district that includes direct Metra train access, expanded parking, and new infrastructure to improve access and tailgating for events.
Cost details show the stadium alone is projected to cost around $2 billion, while the total site development is expected to approach $5 billion. The plan calls for broad private financing and calls for agreements on property tax certainty and infrastructure contributions with state and local leaders.
In addition to the stadium, the surrounding district would include retail, restaurants, housing, a hotel, and parkland, with the aim of creating a walkable entertainment district. The design emphasizes better access and tailgating experiences, including enhanced parking and improved infrastructure to handle large crowds for events and daily use alike.
Officials say the development could position the region to host marquee events such as the Super Bowl, the NCAA Final Four, global soccer matches, and major concerts. The project is described as a transformative opportunity that would benefit fans, the surrounding region, and the state as a whole, while not relying on state dollars for stadium construction.
Groundbreaking could occur as soon as late 2025 if all legislative and local approvals are finalized, with a potential opening in 2028. The project is moving forward alongside ongoing studies of traffic, infrastructure, and taxes, and a memorandum of understanding with the village has already been signed. A statewide framework to support site infrastructure and public improvements could be considered, while the stadium component remains privately financed.
In the broader construction market, observers describe a landscape of two realities: large adaptive reuse and infrastructure projects continue, yet financing remains tight amid high interest rates and cost volatility. Analysts note that office construction has slowed, while multifamily, retail, and industrial activity remains robust. Adaptive reuse and renovations in existing inventory are highlighted as the most active segment, with rising costs and tariffs continuing to influence project feasibility. Industry professionals emphasize that success will depend on creative solutions, incentives, and careful risk management as the market cycles toward stability.
Beyond the stadium, the district is planned to blend living, working, and entertainment. Features include a mix of housing options, shopping and dining, parkland, and spaces designed to support events. Transportation improvements focus on direct Metra access, increased parking capacity, and infrastructure enhancements to improve day‑to‑day travel and tailgating during events.
A village memorandum of understanding has been signed with the development team. Ongoing studies related to traffic, taxes, and infrastructure are underway. A state‑level mechanism could provide funding for site infrastructure and public improvements, but stadium construction itself remains privately financed. Groundbreaking depends on final approvals from state and local authorities.
Industry observers describe the local construction climate as a blend of continued opportunity and financing tightness. The market shows resilience in adaptive reuse and some sectors, while capital availability and cost volatility remain central challenges. Firms pursuing large projects are increasingly exploring innovative strategies, including new materials and public incentives, to keep projects feasible as conditions evolve.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project type | Domed stadium plus mixed‑use district |
| Location | Arlington Heights, Illinois, on the former Arlington International Racecourse site |
| Site size | 326 acres |
| Financing | Privately funded with no state funds for stadium; potential infrastructure support via state legislation |
| Stadium capacity | 65,000–70,000 seats |
| Estimated costs | $2B stadium; $5B total site development |
| Jobs | 56,000 construction jobs; 9,000 permanent jobs post‑opening |
| Timeline | Groundbreaking as early as late 2025; opening potentially in 2028 |
| District features | Retail, restaurants, housing, hotel, parkland; improved access and tailgating infrastructure |
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