Posted on Sep 09

Bears' Kevin Warren on stadium move: "This project does not represent us leaving, it represents us expanding."

Posted Sep 9, 2025

The Chicago Bears are set to relocate to Arlington Heights, marking a historic shift in the franchise's long-standing relationship with the city of Chicago.

Why it matters: This move signifies a pivotal change for one of the NFL's oldest franchises and reflects broader trends in professional sports regarding stadium ownership and venue modernization.

After over a century of playing in the Windy City, the Bears aim to create a state-of-the-art facility that not only hosts games but also serves as a community hub.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom cherish the team's historical ties to Chicago.

What’s new: The Bears have confirmed their plans to construct a new stadium in Arlington Heights, which will feature a nearly $5 billion development plan including restaurants and retail spaces.

Team president Kevin Warren emphasized the significance of finalizing these plans this year to position the team for a potential Super Bowl bid by 2031.
Over half of the Bears' season-ticket holders reside within 25 miles of the proposed site, indicating strong local support for the project.

Yes, but: While the Bears assert that the new stadium will require no state funding, there are legislative hurdles to navigate before construction can begin.

A bill must be passed to freeze property taxes on large-scale developments, a crucial step to ensure financial viability for the project.
Despite concerns about economic implications for the city of Chicago, Warren stated that the move should be viewed as an expansion rather than a departure.

What to watch: As negotiations progress, keep an eye on how local government responds to the Bears' proposals and whether community sentiment shifts.

The proposed development could generate approximately 56,000 jobs during construction and 9,000 permanent positions, a potential boon for the local economy.

Our thought bubble: This relocation is part of a growing trend among NFL teams seeking modern facilities that enhance revenue streams through multipurpose use.

Historically, the Bears have not owned their home stadium, having shared Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs until 1970 and then utilizing Soldier Field since then.

The bottom line: The Bears are poised for a transformative chapter as they embark on this ambitious project, aiming to redefine their identity while contributing to the Arlington Heights community.

As Warren put it, “Moving outside of the city of Chicago is not a decision we reached easily,” highlighting the thoughtful planning behind this significant transition.

Bears' Kevin Warren on stadium move: "This project does not represent us leaving, it represents us expanding."

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 9, 2025

The Chicago Bears are set to relocate to Arlington Heights, marking a historic shift in the franchise's long-standing relationship with the city of Chicago.

Why it matters: This move signifies a pivotal change for one of the NFL's oldest franchises and reflects broader trends in professional sports regarding stadium ownership and venue modernization.

After over a century of playing in the Windy City, the Bears aim to create a state-of-the-art facility that not only hosts games but also serves as a community hub.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions from fans, many of whom cherish the team's historical ties to Chicago.

Team president Kevin Warren emphasized the significance of finalizing these plans this year to position the team for a potential Super Bowl bid by 2031.

Over half of the Bears' season-ticket holders reside within 25 miles of the proposed site, indicating strong local support for the project.

Yes, but: While the Bears assert that the new stadium will require no state funding, there are legislative hurdles to navigate before construction can begin.

A bill must be passed to freeze property taxes on large-scale developments, a crucial step to ensure financial viability for the project.

Despite concerns about economic implications for the city of Chicago, Warren stated that the move should be viewed as an expansion rather than a departure.

What to watch: As negotiations progress, keep an eye on how local government responds to the Bears' proposals and whether community sentiment shifts.

The proposed development could generate approximately 56,000 jobs during construction and 9,000 permanent positions, a potential boon for the local economy.

Our thought bubble: This relocation is part of a growing trend among NFL teams seeking modern facilities that enhance revenue streams through multipurpose use.

Historically, the Bears have not owned their home stadium, having shared Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs until 1970 and then utilizing Soldier Field since then.

As Warren put it, “Moving outside of the city of Chicago is not a decision we reached easily,” highlighting the thoughtful planning behind this significant transition.