Bears Eyeing 2029 for New Stadium Opening

Team president says decision on location coming soon, with Indiana site still in play

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:10am

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The Chicago Bears are nearing a decision on a new stadium location, with the team's chairman targeting the 2029 season for the grand opening. The Bears have been exploring options in both Illinois and Indiana, with a site in Arlington Heights, Illinois and a domed stadium in Hammond, Indiana both under consideration. The team's current home, Soldier Field, is the oldest and smallest venue in the NFL.

Why it matters

The Bears' stadium decision will have major implications for the team's future and the surrounding communities. A new state-of-the-art stadium could help the Bears remain competitive, while also serving as an economic driver for the chosen location. However, the process has been complicated by public funding challenges and the Bears' desire to control more of the stadium's revenue streams.

The details

The Bears began the process of building a new stadium five years ago when they purchased 326 acres of land in Arlington Heights, Illinois. However, the process has been rocky due to public funding challenges, and Indiana has entered the picture with a proposal for a domed stadium in Hammond, just 35 miles from Chicago. The Arlington Heights site is also planned to be an indoor venue. Bears chairman George H. McCaskey is now targeting the 2029 season for the grand opening of the new stadium, whether it's in Illinois or Indiana.

  • Five years ago, the Bears started the process of building a new stadium when they purchased 326 acres of land in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
  • The Bears are aiming to make a decision on the stadium location by late spring or early summer of 2026.
  • The team is targeting the 2029 season for the grand opening of the new stadium.

The players

Kevin Warren

Chicago Bears team president and CEO.

Roger Goodell

NFL commissioner.

George H. McCaskey

Chicago Bears chairman.

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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, Chicago Bears team president and CEO

“They need to find a solution for a stadium. They have looked not only in Indiana but also in Illinois at other sites, and invested in a site. I think they have been responsible in that fact.”

— Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner

“When the Bears moved from Wrigley Field to Soldier Field, it required an adjustment. When we went to Champaign, it required an adjustment. And whether we go to Arlington Park or to Hammond, there is going to be an adjustment period. People are going to have to be allowed some time to get used to it. I think Bears fans are up to it.”

— George H. McCaskey, Chicago Bears chairman

What’s next

The Bears are aiming to make a decision on the stadium location by late spring or early summer of 2026, with the goal of opening the new venue in 2029.

The takeaway

The Bears' stadium decision is a high-stakes move that will shape the team's future and have a significant impact on the surrounding communities. While the process has been complicated, the team appears committed to finding the right solution, whether that's in Illinois or Indiana, to provide a modern, revenue-generating home for the franchise.