Bears Stadium Saga Takes a Turn: Kevin Warren Signals Possible Move Beyond Illinois
The Chicago Bears' quest for a new stadium has officially entered uncharted territory - and fans across the region are feeling the tremors.
For months, the team has been eyeing Arlington Heights as the potential site of a long-anticipated move out of Soldier Field. The plan?
To build a modern, state-of-the-art stadium that could host not just football games, but year-round events and global spectacles. But now, that vision has hit a roadblock - one significant enough that the Bears are openly expanding their search beyond Illinois borders.
In a candid and detailed statement, Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren laid out the team’s frustrations with the lack of progress in Arlington Heights, citing stalled legislative support and a lack of urgency from state leadership.
“We have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park,” Warren said. “We asked only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure - roads, utilities, and site improvements - which is more than typical for projects of this size.”
Warren emphasized that the team was also seeking “reasonable property tax certainty” to help secure financing. But despite working closely with state leadership and following their guidance, Warren said those efforts have been met with “no legislative partnership.”
That lack of cooperation has forced the Bears to pivot - and not just slightly.
“Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana,” Warren announced.
Yes, you read that right: Northwest Indiana is now on the table.
This isn’t just a subtle nudge toward an alternative site - it’s a clear signal that the Bears are willing to look beyond Illinois if the state can’t meet the urgency and support needed to make this project happen. Warren was careful to stress that this isn’t about leverage or bluffing.
The organization has already poured years of effort, time, and money into exploring sites, especially in Cook County. Arlington Heights wasn’t a whim - it was a calculated decision.
But the clock is ticking.
“Stable timelines are critical, as are predictable processes and elected leaders who share a sense of urgency and appreciation for public partnership,” Warren said. “We have not received that sense of urgency or appreciation to date.”
The implications here are massive. We're talking about a potential stadium that could generate thousands of union jobs, bring in consistent revenue for the state, and elevate the Bears' brand with a fixed-roof venue capable of hosting Super Bowls, Final Fours, concerts, and more. And yet, according to Warren, Illinois leadership has told the Bears that their project won’t be a priority in 2026.
That’s a tough pill to swallow for a franchise that’s trying to build something lasting - not just for the team, but for the city, the state, and its fans.
And for those fans? This news stings.
The idea of the Chicago Bears - one of the league’s oldest and most storied franchises - potentially playing home games outside Illinois is jarring. Especially when you consider that Indiana already has an NFL team in the Colts.
While no final decisions have been made, the inclusion of Northwest Indiana in the Bears’ official statement isn’t just a throwaway line. It’s a real possibility.
Warren closed his message with a nod to the people who matter most in this equation: the fans, the players, and the coaches.
“Our fans deserve a world-class stadium. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day. With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.”
This is no longer just about Arlington Heights. It’s about the Bears’ future - and where that future will be built.