Bears Target 'Late Spring, Early Summer' for Stadium Decision

Team CEO Kevin Warren says the Bears are close to choosing between sites in Illinois and Indiana.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Chicago Bears are targeting 'late spring, early summer' to make a decision on where they will build their new stadium, according to team president and CEO Kevin Warren. The Bears are choosing between a domed stadium in either Hammond, Indiana or Arlington Heights, Illinois, where they currently own 326 acres of land. The team has encountered roadblocks with the state of Illinois over property taxes, leading them to explore the Indiana site as well.

Why it matters

The Bears' stadium decision will have major implications for the team's future and its relationship with the city of Chicago. After playing at Soldier Field since 1971, moving across state lines would be a significant shift for the franchise and its fan base.

The details

The Bears will choose between building a domed stadium in either Hammond, Indiana or Arlington Heights, Illinois, where they currently own 326 acres of land. The process of leaving Soldier Field began five years ago when the team purchased the land in Arlington Heights. However, the Bears have encountered roadblocks with the state of Illinois over property taxes, leading them to explore the Indiana site as well.

  • The Bears are targeting 'late spring, early summer' for a decision on the new stadium location.
  • The Illinois general assembly's spring session, which ends on May 31, will determine if the PILOT bill passes, which is critical for the Bears' plans in Illinois.

The players

Kevin Warren

President and CEO of the Chicago Bears.

George H. McCaskey

Chairman of the Chicago Bears.

Roger Goodell

NFL Commissioner.

Ryan Poles

General Manager of the Chicago Bears.

Ian Cunningham

Former Assistant General Manager of the Chicago Bears, now General Manager of the Atlanta Falcons.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're in an excellent position. I recently said that 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, President and CEO, Chicago Bears

“I've said to our family, 'We need to be patient and let the deal come to us.' We think a deal will materialize somewhere. We're comfortable with either site. We have people at the Bears working with public servants in both Indiana and Illinois trying to get this done.”

— George H. McCaskey, Chairman, Chicago Bears

“They have looked not only in Indiana but also in Illinois and other sites and have invested in a site (in Arlington Heights). So I think they have been responsible with that. And I think it's really important that they come to a resolution on this relatively soon. It's important. I've spoken to officials in Illinois that this is an important time to get this resolved.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner

What’s next

The Bears are waiting to see if the PILOT bill passes during the Illinois general assembly's spring session, which ends on May 31. This legislation is critical for the team's plans in Illinois. The Bears also expect to hear a decision from the NFL soon regarding their request for two compensatory third-round draft picks.

The takeaway

The Bears' stadium decision will have major implications for the team's future and its relationship with the city of Chicago. Moving across state lines would be a significant shift for the franchise, and the team is working to secure the necessary tax certainty and legislative support to make their plans a reality.