Chicago, IL – Hours before their Monday Night Football kickoff, the Chicago Bears released a letter from President and CEO Kevin Warren outlining formal plans to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, signaling a historic move for the franchise.
According to the team’s announcement, the new fixed-roof stadium would be part of a mixed-use development requiring no state funds for construction. The organization emphasized that the site could position Illinois to host major national and global events, including a potential Super Bowl as early as 2031.
Warren wrote that moving outside of Chicago was “not a decision we reached easily,” stressing that the project represents expansion rather than departure. He noted that more than 50% of season-ticket holders live within 25 miles of Arlington Heights, making the location strategically accessible.
The Bears purchased 326 acres in Arlington Heights in 2023, and the letter highlighted that after extensive review, no other sites within Chicago city limits met the team’s requirements. The new stadium is projected to create 56,000 construction jobs, 9,000 permanent jobs, and generate an estimated $10 billion in statewide economic impact.
Warren also addressed the franchise’s legacy at Soldier Field, home to the team for more than 50 years. He compared the potential move to previous transitions in Bears history, from Decatur to Wrigley Field to Soldier Field, underscoring that “the Chicago Bears belong to more than just Chicago. We belong to the entire state of Illinois. The Nation. The World.”
The announcement comes as the Bears begin their 2025 campaign with a new head coach, Ben Johnson, and a retooled roster. The team’s leadership said it remains committed to building both a championship contender and a “world-class home for the future.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
