Chicago Bears Set Deadline for New Stadium Decision

The team must choose between sites in Illinois and Indiana by late spring or early summer.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:49am

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The Chicago Bears have set a deadline for deciding where to build their new stadium, with options in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana. Team president and CEO Kevin Warren said the decision will come by late spring or early summer 2026, as the franchise looks to move out of the aging Soldier Field.

Why it matters

The Bears' stadium decision will have major implications for the team's future, as well as the potential to host large events like the Super Bowl in a modern, enclosed venue. The choice between Illinois and Indiana also carries political and economic significance for the region.

The details

The Bears currently play at Soldier Field, the NFL's oldest stadium, which seats just over 60,000 fans. The team has been considering two primary options for a new stadium: team-owned land in Arlington Heights, Illinois, or a proposed site in Hammond, Indiana. Team leadership has emphasized that both proposals position the franchise for long-term success, but a dome-style stadium would allow the Bears to attract major events beyond just football.

  • The Bears have set a target to make their decision by late spring or early summer 2026.
  • The team has played at Soldier Field since the 1970s, with the stadium originally built in the 1920s.

The players

Kevin Warren

The Chicago Bears' president and CEO, who announced the team's timeline for deciding on a new stadium location.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' current starting quarterback, who would play in the team's new stadium once it is built.

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What they’re saying

“The target is to make sure that we have a decision made by springtime here soon. Late spring, early summer would be that from a target.”

— Kevin Warren, Chicago Bears President and CEO

What’s next

The Bears will inform their chosen host location, either in Illinois or Indiana, between mid-May and early June 2026.

The takeaway

The Bears' stadium decision will shape the team's future and the region's ability to attract major events, with a dome-style stadium offering more versatility than the aging Soldier Field. The choice between Illinois and Indiana also carries political and economic significance for the franchise and its host community.