The Chicago Bears are adhering to their established timeline for selecting a new stadium site, despite uncertainty surrounding a proposed incentive package in the Illinois state legislature. The Illinois Senate passed a bill early Monday that would have allowed Arlington Heights and Chicago to create local stadium authorities, enabling the Bears to avoid property taxes on a new stadium in Illinois. However, the House adjourned without voting on the measure on the final day of the spring legislative session.
Team Statement on Timeline
The Bears confirmed they are finalizing evaluations of potential sites in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana. “We remain on the late spring/early summer timeline,” the team stated. “We will provide an update when we have a decision to share.”
Background of the Stadium Search
The Bears’ stadium journey has been lengthy and complex. In September 2021, the team signed a purchase agreement for 326 acres in Arlington Heights, about 30 miles northwest of Chicago. The $197 million deal with Churchill Downs Incorporated closed in 2023. In September 2022, the Bears unveiled a nearly $5 billion plan for an enclosed stadium in Arlington Heights, designed to host Super Bowls and Final Fours, along with a year-round entertainment district.
However, after Kevin Warren became team president in January 2023, the Bears shifted focus toward building a new stadium next to Soldier Field in Chicago. That April 2024 plan, transforming the Museum Campus, received strong support from Mayor Brandon Johnson but a lukewarm response from Governor JB Pritzker and legislators. In May 2025, the team pivoted again, citing “significant progress” with Arlington Heights leaders.
Indiana Emerges as Contender
As the Bears sought tax incentives and up to $855 million in public infrastructure funding in Illinois, they explored options in Northwest Indiana. Governor Mike Braun and state lawmakers responded swiftly; a House committee passed a bill in February to create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. The Bears began due diligence on land near Wolf Lake in Hammond.
On May 21, the Bears confirmed Hammond and Arlington Heights as the only sites under consideration. Some Illinois lawmakers continued to push for a Chicago option.
Historical Context
The Bears have played in Illinois since their founding in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys. After moving to Chicago in 1921, they have never owned their stadium, playing at Wrigley Field from 1921 to 1970 and Soldier Field since.
