The Chicago Bears have announced a widening of their stadium search to include northwest Indiana, a move that follows the team’s earlier push for a new Arlington Heights site.
Bears Expand Search to Northwest Indiana
In an open letter addressed to fans, the Bears’ leadership revealed that the team is now considering locations beyond the Chicago suburbs. The expansion comes after months of discussions about constructing a new stadium in Arlington Heights, where the team had previously expressed optimism about beginning construction.
The Letter’s Core Message
President Kevin Warren clarified that the Bears are not seeking leverage but are focused on delivering a world‑class stadium for their supporters. He emphasized that the organization believes fans and players deserve a venue that matches championship standards. Warren stated, “Our fans deserve a world‑class stadium. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the championship standard they strive for every day. With that in mind, our organization must keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.”
State Assistance Rebuffed
Warren also addressed the team’s attempts to secure state assistance for local infrastructure. He noted that the Bears have not asked for public money to build the stadium, but they have sought support for roads, utilities, and site improvements. The president quoted, “We asked only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure (roads, utilities, and site improvements) which is more than typical for projects of this size. Additionally, we sought reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing. We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.”
Gov. Pritzker’s Response
A spokesperson for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker described the open letter as a “startling slap in the face” to Bears fans. The statement read, “Suggesting the Bears would move to Indiana is a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season. The Governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago. He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the Governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers.”
Legislative Priorities
In the letter, Warren cited feedback from lawmakers in Springfield, noting that the stadium project will not be a priority in 2026. This statement highlights the challenges the Bears face in securing state support for their plans.
Northwest Indiana’s Opportunity
House Bill 1292, passed by large margins in the Indiana legislature, established the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission. The commission’s goal is to attract professional sports franchises to the region. Indiana State Representative Earl Harris commented, “Northwest Indiana has a unique opportunity for economic development. Capitalizing on The Region’s proximity to Chicago by bringing professional sports teams here makes sense for all parties involved. This is a chance to bring great investments and jobs to our community, and we know that The Region offers a great base of operation and amazing fans for any sports franchise looking for a home.”
Why the Bears Consider Indiana
The Bears’ consideration of northwest Indiana stems from the region’s potential to provide the infrastructure and fan base the team needs. The team’s open letter stresses the importance of keeping all credible pathways open to secure a future stadium that meets their standards.
Key Takeaways
- The Bears are expanding their stadium search to include northwest Indiana.
- President Kevin Warren claims the team has not sought public construction money but has requested infrastructure support.
- Illinois Gov. Pritzker criticized the move, emphasizing taxpayer concerns.
- Indiana’s new commission seeks to attract professional sports franchises to the region.
Closing Thoughts
The Bears’ announcement signals a significant shift in their stadium strategy, bringing northwest Indiana into the conversation. While state lawmakers have expressed limited support, the team remains committed to exploring every viable option to deliver a world‑class venue for its fans and players.
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