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4w ago

Bears Declare Arlington Heights Their Future Home, Advancing a Privately Financed Domed Stadium

The franchise needs state property‑tax certainty before progressing to fall presentations with Arlington Heights officials.

This photo shows a view of the newly renovated Soldier Field, the home of the NFL's Chicago Bears, with the Chicago skyline in the background 29 September, 2003 on opening night of the new stadium as the Chicagp Bears prepare to take on the Green Bay Packers.
Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Chicago Bears helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images/File Photo
Chicago Bears
The former paddock is marked by a circle and cross at the former Arlington International Racecourse on May 23, 2025, in Arlington Heights. The Chicago Bears are working to make this the site of their new stadium and entertainment district. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Overview

  • In a Sept. 8 letter to season‑ticket holders, president and CEO Kevin Warren said Arlington Heights is the only viable Cook County site and called it the team's future home.
  • The plan centers on a fixed‑roof stadium and mixed‑use district on the 326‑acre former Arlington Park property the team bought in 2023.
  • Team officials plan public presentations in the fall followed by village reviews and a Board vote, with any timeline contingent on approvals and state action.
  • The Bears are seeking legislation to lock in long‑term property‑tax certainty, a measure that could be considered in October but faces a high vote threshold and uncertain support.
  • Warren said the club aims to finalize plans this year to bid for a Super Bowl as soon as 2031, while the franchise remains under a Soldier Field lease through 2033 with reported early‑exit fees.