The NFL’s Chicago Bears are looking at different options for a site for their new stadium despite last year heralding suburban Arlington Heights as the only venue for the build project.
Bears CEO and President Kevin Warren has written an open letter to fans saying that the search for a new stadium site has now been expanded.
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago (US). The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North Division. The 61,500-capacity Soldier Field serves as their home ground.
Late last year, the Chicago Bears’ plans for the new stadium were hit by a setback after missing out on funding support from the Illinois General Assembly.
The Assembly adjourned its abbreviated fall session without introducing any measures related to the Bears’ pursuit of a $3 billion stadium in Arlington Heights.
The legislature will return to Springfield on January 13, but the delay suggested the team will remain at Soldier Field at least through 2029.
Warren told fans in his latest missive, “Earlier this season, we shared that Arlington Heights is the only location in Cook County that meets the requirements for a world-class NFL stadium. We still believe it offers the best and only path forward in Cook County given there are no other viable alternatives.
“Over the past several years, we have worked in good faith with Illinois leaders and made clear our commitment and readiness to invest more than $2 billion by the Chicago Bears, one of the largest private investments in state and NFL history.”
Warren said the Bears have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park but only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure (roads, utilities, and site improvements) which, he said, is more than typical for projects of this size.
He added, “Additionally, we sought reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing. We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.
“The stakes for Illinois are significant: thousands of union jobs, year-round attractions and global events made possible by a fixed roof stadium that would provide long-term revenue for the State.”
Warren stressed that for a project of this scale, uncertainty has significant consequences.
He said, “Stable timelines are critical, as are predictable processes and elected leaders, who share a sense of urgency and appreciation for public partnership that projects with this level of impact require. We have not received that sense of urgency or appreciation to date.
“We have been told directly by State leadership, our project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it will bring to Illinois.
“Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana.
“This is not about leverage. We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. We invested significant time and resources evaluating multiple sites and rationally decided on Arlington Heights.”
Warren said Bears fans, players and coaches deserve a world-class stadium that matches the championship standard they strive for every day.
He added, “With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.
“The Bears have called Chicago home for more than a century. One certainty is that our commitment to this city will not change. We will continue to provide unwavering support to the community.
“We need to secure a world-class venue for our passionate fanbase and honor the energy you bring every week. The Chicago Bears are a founding franchise, playing in the oldest and smallest stadium in the NFL.”
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