Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Chicago Bears are expanding their search for a new stadium site to include Northwest Indiana, citing stalled efforts to secure state support for infrastructure tied to a proposed development in Arlington Heights.
In October, the team released new renderings for a proposed $2 billion stadium in Arlington Heights, committing to build the 60,000-seat facility on the former Arlington International Racecourse site.
However, in an open letter to fans on Dec. 17, Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren said the decision follows years of discussions with Illinois officials and growing uncertainty around timelines for the project in Cook County. The team has previously expressed hope that construction could begin in Arlington Heights, but Warren said the lack of legislative partnership has forced the organization to consider other options.
“We have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park,” Warren wrote. “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 said the Bears also sought “reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing,” but those efforts have not gained traction. “We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership,” he said.
The letter reiterated that Arlington Heights remains the only viable site in Cook County capable of supporting a modern, fixed-roof NFL stadium. “We still believe it offers the best and only path forward in Cook County given there are no other viable alternatives,” Warren wrote, noting the team’s willingness to invest more than $2 billion in private funding.
Warren said state leaders have indicated the stadium project will not be a priority in 2026, creating uncertainty for a development of this scale.
“For a project of this scale, uncertainty has significant consequences,” he wrote. “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.
“Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana.
While he states the decision is not about creating leverage in Illinois, Warren says the goal is to build a “world-class” stadium.
While expanding the search, Warren emphasized the team’s long-standing ties to Chicago. The Bears have played in the city for more than a century and currently compete at Soldier Field, the oldest and smallest stadium in the NFL.
“One certainty is that our commitment to this city will not change,” Warren wrote. “We need to secure a world-class venue for our passionate fanbase and honor the energy you bring every week.”
