In a bold open letter to fans, Chicago Bears president Kevin Warren reaffirmed the team’s intention to build a new stadium on a tract of land the franchise owns in suburban Arlington Heights, Illinois, even as rumors swirled that the Bears might relocate to Northwest Indiana. The letter, released on Wednesday, came just days before the Bears face Green Bay in a game that could decide the NFC North title.
President’s Reassurance
Warren emphasized that the idea of moving to Indiana is not a bargaining chip. He wrote, “This is not about leverage.” He added that the organization has spent years evaluating multiple sites in Cook County and “rationally decided on Arlington Heights.” The president stressed that fans deserve a world-class stadium and that players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day. While he did not specify a location within Northwest Indiana, the letter made clear that the Bears’ focus remains on Arlington Heights.
Funding Hurdles and Consultant Report
A consultant report released in September outlined the Bears’ need for $855 million in public funding to support infrastructure for a new stadium that could host Final Fours and Super Bowls. The team also hoped the Illinois legislature would pass a bill in October that would freeze property taxes for large-scale construction projects, allowing construction to begin this year. That bill did not pass. Warren criticized the uncertainty, saying, “For a project of this scale, uncertainty has significant consequences.” He noted that stable timelines and predictable processes are essential, and that the state leadership has indicated the project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it would bring to Illinois.
Political Backlash
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s spokesman Matt Hill responded to the rumors with a statement that the suggestion of an Indiana move was a “startling slap in the face” to loyal fans. Hill added that the governor is a Bears fan who wants the team to stay in Chicago and that the franchise is ultimately a private business. The spokesman’s comments highlight the political sensitivity surrounding the Bears’ stadium plans and the public’s expectation that the team remain in the city.
Historical Context of the Bears’ Stadium Situation
Since moving to Chicago in 1921, the Bears have never owned a stadium. The team played at Wrigley Field from 1921 to 1970 and has been based at Soldier Field since then. The current plan for Arlington Heights, unveiled in September 2022, includes a nearly $5 billion development that would add restaurants, retail, and more to the former racetrack site 30 miles northwest of Soldier Field. After Kevin Warren became president two years ago, the focus shifted toward building a new stadium next to Soldier Field, but the 2024 announcement of a plan to transform Chicago’s Museum Campus received enthusiastic support from Mayor Brandon Johnson and a tepid reaction from Pritzker and state legislators.
Current Season Stakes
The Bears are 10-4 and hold a slim lead over the Packers, who are 9-4-1, in the NFC North. In their first season under coach Ben Johnson, the team is striving to secure its first postseason appearance since 2020. The urgency of the stadium project is amplified by the Bears’ playoff ambitions, as a world-class venue would support the team’s competitive goals and the city’s economic interests.
Key Takeaways
- Bears president Kevin Warren reaffirms commitment to building a stadium in Arlington Heights, dismissing Indiana move rumors.
- The team seeks $855 million in public funding, but Illinois has not passed the necessary property-tax-freeze bill.
- Political backlash from Gov. Pritzker’s office underscores the high stakes of the Bears’ stadium debate.
The Bears’ future stadium plans remain in flux, but the franchise’s leadership is clear: the city of Chicago is the team’s home, and the team is working to secure a world-class venue for its passionate fanbase.
