Chicago Bears President and CEO, in an open letter to fans and Chicagoland audience, posted to chicagobears.com, regarding a news possibility of moving the new stadium project to Northwest Indiana.
The letter was written after a continued stalemate with state political leaders regarding a megaproject bill that would require some type of partnership with State leadership, local municipalities, and local taxing districts for the construction of a new NFL class stadium. Warren announced that the Chicago Bears have been told directly by State of Illinois leadership that the Chicago Bears stadium project will not be a priority in 2026. Warren stated he was referring to a commitment from government to essential local infrastructure (roads, utilities, and site improvements) which is more than typical for projects of the size of an NFL football stadium. He also referred to the apparent lack of reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing.
Three months ago, Kevin Warren indicated in an open letter that “Arlington Heights is the only site” for a new Bears stadium, and the team was planning to host a Super Bowl there by 2031.
Warren was criticized widely on social media Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday evening for releasing today’s letter three days before hosting the Green Bay Packers in the biggest game at Soldier Field in years, which amounts to a battle to tie for first place in the NFC North with their principal rival on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:20 p.m. Time will tell if the letter is ingenious or a major flop for the Chicago Bears.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Dear Chicago Bears Fans:
On the Monday night of our home opener, September 8, 2025, the passion in every corner of Soldier Field was palpable and powerful. Today, 100 days later, that feeling is even stronger. We had a strong win this past weekend at Soldier Field in record setting cold temperatures, with your support and encouragement. We have won five of our six home games this season. Your support lifts this team. With two regular season home games remaining, we are focused on building a championship organization worthy of you.
The same standard has guided our work on a new world-class stadium. Earlier this season, we shared that Arlington Heights is the only location in Cook County that meets the requirements for a world-class NFL stadium. We still believe it offers the best and only path forward in Cook County given there are no other viable alternatives. Over the past several years, we have worked in good faith with Illinois leaders and made clear our commitment and readiness to invest more than $2 billion by the Chicago Bears, one of the largest private investments in state and NFL history.
We have not asked for state taxpayer dollars to build the stadium at Arlington Park. 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. Additionally, we sought reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing. We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.
The stakes for Illinois are significant: thousands of union jobs, year-round attractions and global events made possible by a fixed roof stadium that would provide long-term revenue for the State. For a project of this scale, uncertainty has significant consequences. 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. We have not received that sense of urgency or appreciation to date. We have been told directly by State leadership, our project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it will bring to Illinois.
Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana. This is not about leverage. We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. We invested significant time and resources evaluating multiple sites and rationally decided on Arlington Heights. Our fans deserve a world-class stadium. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day. With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.
The Bears have called Chicago home for more than a century. One certainty is that our commitment to this city will not change. We will continue to provide unwavering support to the community. We need to secure a world-class venue for our passionate fanbase and honor the energy you bring every week. The Chicago Bears are a founding franchise, playing in the oldest and smallest stadium in the NFL.
As we move forward, our goal is clear: build a world-class football team that has a world-class stadium worthy of our world-class fans – a stadium that reflects the future we are building together.
Every home game we are reminded of one thing. Bears fans are the best fans in all of sports. We appreciate you.
You cheer. You care. You love your Chicago Bears.
Take care, and Godspeed.
Sincerely,
Kevin Warren
President & CEO
Chicago Bears Football Club
Arlington Heights Response
The Village of Arlington Heights published the following statement on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 in response to the Chicago Bears announcement regarding the consideration of a new stadium site in Northwest Indiana.
The Village was made aware earlier today that the Chicago Bears are exploring the option of building their new stadium in northwest Indiana.
Both the Village and the Chicago Bears remain confident that their Arlington Park property in Arlington Heights is the best option for their new stadium and entertainment district. However, we understand their need to explore any and all viable locations as part of their due diligence process. Due to restrictive legislation in Illinois, this exploration now includes moving to Indiana.
The Village has been outspoken that a Megaproject bill is necessary to make a development project of this scale possible. A bill of this type would serve as a key economic development tool to attract large-scale investment not only in Arlington Heights, but in communities throughout the state.
“We encourage our Illinois State legislators to move forward with the Megaproject bill,” said Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia. “This legislation will help to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois, within the limits of Cook County, and ultimately – in Arlington Heights.”
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