Bears Confirm Plans to Leave Chicago for New Stadium

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears have confirmed their plans to leave Chicago as they explore building a new stadium in suburban Illinois or Hammond, Indiana, as seen in a trending post on r/nfl. On May 21, 2026, the team reiterated that they have exhausted all opportunities to remain in Chicago, stating, "There is not a viable site in the city. As a result, the only sites under consideration are in Arlington Heights and Hammond." This announcement appears to close the door on the Bears' hopes of staying in their historic home.

Why it matters: The Bears have played at Soldier Field for over 50 years and are a charter NFL franchise. Their potential move marks a major shift in the team's history and could impact the local economy and fan base.

• The Bears have been based in Chicago since 1921, having never owned their stadium.
• Indiana lawmakers are actively trying to attract the team with plans for a domed stadium in Hammond, located about 25 miles from Soldier Field.
• The Illinois General Assembly has proposed tax incentives for megaprojects, including the Bears' plans for a new complex.

Driving the news: Team president Kevin Warren indicated last month during NFL meetings in Arizona that the Bears aim to select a new stadium site by late spring or early summer 2026. The urgency of the situation is prompting the team to finalize its plans.

• Warren emphasized that both Arlington Heights and Hammond are excellent options for a new stadium.
• The Bears have been searching for a viable site since their initial goal was to stay in Chicago.
• Legislative support for the Bears' proposal includes tax breaks for projects exceeding $100 million.

State of play: The Bears' current home, Soldier Field, has been their playing ground since 1971. The team is now considering two primary locations for relocation, which are both outside Chicago.

• Arlington Heights offers a 326-acre tract of land that the Bears own, which is being eyed for a new complex.
• Hammond, Indiana, is proposing a domed stadium to entice the Bears to make the move.
• Both sites are seen as strategic moves to secure a modern facility that meets the team's needs.

The big picture: The Bears' decision to leave Chicago reflects broader trends in professional sports where teams seek new facilities to maximize revenue and fan experience.

• Many NFL teams have relocated in recent years, often citing outdated facilities as a primary reason.
• The move could set a precedent for other franchises considering similar relocations.
• Fan reactions are mixed, with some expressing disappointment over the potential loss of the team's Chicago identity.

What they're saying: The Bears' statement highlights their commitment to finding the best possible location for their future.

• "The Chicago Bears have exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago, which was our initial goal," the team stated.
• Warren previously noted at the NFL meetings, "Both of the sites are excellent sites," reaffirming the team's positive outlook on the new locations.
• Local officials in Hammond are optimistic about the potential economic boost from a new stadium.

By the numbers: The Bears have played at Soldier Field for more than 50 years, making it a historic venue.

• The proposed site in Arlington Heights spans 326 acres, offering ample space for development.
• Hammond is about 25 miles from Soldier Field, positioning it as a feasible option for fans.
• Indiana's proposal includes financing for a domed stadium, which would require substantial investment.

What's next: As the Bears continue to evaluate their options, the timeline for a decision is quickly approaching.

• The team aims to finalize their new stadium location by early summer 2026.
• Meanwhile, discussions with local governments in both Arlington Heights and Hammond will intensify.
• Fans and stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments as the Bears move forward with their plans.

The Bears' commitment to finding a new home reflects their long-term vision for success and modernization in the ever-evolving NFL.

This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.