Bears Eyeing 2029 for New Stadium Opening

Team president Kevin Warren expresses optimism about an impending decision on the team's future home.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:46pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented elements of a football stadium, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted tones of navy, green, and gray, conveying the complexity of the Bears' stadium decision.A conceptual illustration capturing the complex, multi-faceted process of the Chicago Bears' search for a new stadium home.Hammond Today

The Chicago Bears are nearing a decision on a new stadium location, with team president and CEO Kevin Warren expressing optimism about making a call by late spring or early summer. The Bears have been exploring options in both Illinois and Indiana, including a site in Arlington Heights and a potential domed stadium in Hammond, just 35 miles from Chicago. Current home Soldier Field, built in 1924, is the NFL's oldest and smallest venue, lacking modern amenities.

Why it matters

The Bears' stadium decision is a critical one for the team's future, as Soldier Field has become outdated and the team does not own the stadium or control key revenue streams like parking and concessions. A new, state-of-the-art facility could provide the Bears with a significant competitive and financial advantage.

The details

Five years ago, the Bears purchased 326 acres of land in Arlington Heights, Illinois, with plans to build an indoor stadium there. However, the process has been complicated by public funding challenges, and Indiana has entered the picture with a proposal for a domed stadium in Hammond. Bears chairman George H. McCaskey is now targeting the 2029 season for the grand opening of the team's new home.

  • Five years ago, the Bears purchased land in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
  • NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the Bears are 'on the clock' to find a stadium solution.
  • Bears team president Kevin Warren expressed optimism about making a decision by late spring or early summer.

The players

Kevin Warren

The president and CEO of the Chicago Bears.

Roger Goodell

The commissioner of the National Football League.

George H. McCaskey

The chairman of the Chicago Bears.

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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, President and CEO, Chicago Bears

“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, Chairman, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The Bears are targeting late spring or early summer to make a decision on the location of their new stadium, with the goal of opening the facility in time for the 2029 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Bears' stadium decision is a critical juncture for the franchise, as they seek to move out of the aging and undersized Soldier Field and into a modern, revenue-generating facility. The team's willingness to consider options in both Illinois and Indiana demonstrates their commitment to finding the best long-term solution for the organization and its fans.