In an open letter to fans, the Chicago Bears say they are expanding their search for a new stadium site to include northwest Indiana.
The news comes months after the team expressed hope to get shovels in the ground on a new stadium in Arlington Heights, and the team insists it is not a play for “leverage,” but rather a move to deliver a “world-class stadium” to their fans.
Bears President Kevin Warren insisted the team has not asked for public money for the construction of the stadium, but that their efforts to gain state assistance for local infrastructure around the site have been rebuffed by state lawmakers.
“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,” Warren said in the letter. “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.”
A spokesperson for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the open letter a “startling slap in the face” to fans of the team.
“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,” a statement read. “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.”
In his open letter, Warren said the Bears have been told by lawmakers in Springfield that their stadium project “will not be a priority in 2026.”
As a result, the team is expanding its search for a new stadium site, and the pursuit will include northwest Indiana.
The team insisted the move is not about creating leverage, but about trying to deliver on a world-class stadium.
“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,” Warren said.
While the idea of building a stadium site in northwest Indiana may seem out of left field, there have been rumblings about the state trying to attract professional sports franchises.
House Bill 1292, which passed by large margins in the Indiana legislature, created the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, aiming to “attract professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana,” according to the text of the bill.
“Northwest Indiana has a unique opportunity for economic development,” Indiana State Rep. Earl Harris said in a statement. “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.”
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