Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren's Open Letter: New Stadium Plans and Fan Passion (2026)

Imagine the roar of the crowd, the electric energy of a Monday night game at Soldier Field. That passion, that unwavering support – it's the lifeblood of the Chicago Bears. And it's exactly what fuels our relentless pursuit of a championship-caliber team and a stadium worthy of you, our incredible fans. This past weekend, even frigid temperatures couldn't dampen your spirit as we notched another home win. Five out of six home games won this season – your support truly lifts us! With two more regular season home games on the horizon, our focus remains laser-sharp: building a championship organization you deserve. But here's where it gets controversial... securing that future requires some tough decisions.

Earlier this year, we stated a clear fact: Arlington Heights stands out as the only location within Cook County that realistically meets the complex demands of a modern, world-class NFL stadium. We continue to believe it presents the best, and frankly only, viable path forward within Cook County. Let's be clear: there aren't other realistic alternatives currently on the table. For years, we have engaged in good-faith discussions with Illinois leaders, demonstrating our commitment to invest over $2 billion – a massive, privately funded endeavor that would rank among the largest in both state and NFL history. And this is the part most people miss... we weren't asking for a free ride.

We haven't sought state taxpayer dollars to construct the stadium itself at Arlington Park. Our request was targeted and reasonable: a commitment to essential local infrastructure improvements – roads, utilities, and site enhancements – a standard practice for projects of this magnitude. Think of it like building a house: you need the basic services connected before you can move in. Furthermore, we sought predictable property tax arrangements, crucial for securing the necessary financing. We listened intently to state leadership, relying on their guidance and direction. Yet, despite our efforts, we haven't found a legislative partnership to make this a reality.

The stakes for Illinois are incredibly high. We're talking about thousands of union jobs, year-round attractions, and the ability to host global events, all made possible by a state-of-the-art stadium with a fixed roof. This would create long-term revenue streams for the state. For a project of this scale, uncertainty is simply unacceptable. Stable timelines, predictable processes, and elected leaders who understand the urgency and appreciate the need for public-private partnership are essential. These projects have a ripple effect across the entire region and beyond. Sadly, we haven't encountered that sense of urgency or appreciation to date. We've even been told directly by state leadership that our project won't be a priority in 2026, despite the undeniable benefits it would bring to Illinois. And this is a critical point that deserves scrutiny. Is the state prioritizing other projects over a potential economic engine like a new Bears stadium?

Consequently, we must broaden our horizons. In addition to Arlington Park, we need to aggressively explore opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana. This isn't about playing hardball or seeking leverage. This is about fulfilling our responsibility to our fans and our team. We've dedicated years to finding a new home in Cook County, investing significant time and resources to evaluate multiple sites before making a rational decision on Arlington Heights. Our fans deserve a world-class stadium experience. Our players and coaches deserve a venue that reflects the championship standards they strive for every day. With that in mind, our organization must, and will, keep every credible pathway open to deliver that future.