CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears are searching for a new stadium site after talks over state funding for their planned Arlington Heights project fell through, the team announced on Wednesday.
Bears President Kevin Warren shared in a letter to fans that they are reconsidering their options and will look beyond Arlington Heights, including potential locations in Northwest Indiana.
This decision comes just three months after the Bears revealed plans for a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights. In those months, efforts to secure financial aid and tax breaks stalled, with state leaders indicating the project is “not a priority” for next year.
“Consequently, we need to critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland area and beyond,” Warren wrote, urging fans to stay tuned.
The Bears had previously purchased the Arlington Heights property, aiming to build a facility that would not only host football games but also accommodate events like the Super Bowl and concerts. But their vision faced challenges. Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot had pitched a $2.2 billion dome over Soldier Field to keep the Bears in the city, while current Mayor Brandon Johnson proposed a $4.7 billion publicly funded stadium nearby. These ideas, however, did not gain traction, as both the team and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed reservations about using taxpayer money for such projects.
Pritzker’s spokesperson labeled the Bears’ renewed search “a slap in the face” to loyal fans. The Bears have been a staple at Soldier Field since 1971, but the push for a new facility reflects the team’s ambition and the changing landscape of sports venues.
Interestingly, a recent survey from the Chicago Sports Institute showed that around 60% of fans want improvements made to Soldier Field rather than moving to a new location entirely. This indicates a strong emotional connection to the current stadium, despite the team’s desire for a modern facility.
Funding a new stadium was not ranked as a priority by Illinois residents, according to a poll by the Public Policy Institute. As Rep. Kam Buckner noted, many people are focused on more pressing issues, like rising property taxes.
The Bears are exploring all avenues to provide their players with a top-notch facility that matches their ambitions. As the search continues, subplots surrounding team loyalty, community sentiment, and economic considerations will undoubtedly unfold.
