The Chicago Bears have called Soldier Field their home since 1971. Still, the franchise has wanted to move into a bigger and better facility since at least 1990. The team has called Soldier Field a temporary home since moving into the stadium shortly after the NFL and AFL merger in 1970.
Since at least the mid-70s, the Bears have been eyeballing land in Arlington Heights. However, because of complicated regional politics in the Chicago suburbs and a local government that has staunchly resisted using public money to build the team a new stadium, the closest the Bears have gotten to their desire for a new place to play was when Soldier Field was renovated in 2002.
But now, the Bears are preparing to move out of Soldier Field for good.
Where Are the Chicago Bears Moving To?
Mike Garafalo of NFL Network reports that the Bears have secured a deal to buy a significant parcel of land in the Chicago suburbs. Garafalo posted a letter from the Chicago Bears president and CEO.
“Warren tells fans the decision to move the #Bears outside of Chicago doesn’t come easily: ‘After purchasing 326 acres in Arlington Heights in 2023, we thoroughly evaluated other sites within Chicago’s city limits, but none were viable.'”
Warren tells fans the decision to move the #Bears outside of Chicago doesn’t come easily: “After purchasing 326 acres in Arlington Heights in 2023, we thoroughly evaluated other sites within Chicago’s city limits, but none were viable.” https://t.co/r7EBBGMjQe
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 8, 2025
There had been talks of the Bears constructing a new stadium on the shores of Lake Michigan. Instead, they are going to move 25 miles outside of Chicago and build a fixed-roof stadium on the former site of the Arlington International Racecourse. The Bears entered a purchase agreement with Churchill Downs in 2021 and finalized the buy for $197.2 million in 2023.
“This project does not represent us leaving, it represents us expanding,” Warren’s letter says. “The Bears draw fans from all over Illinois, and over 50 percent of our season-ticket holders live within 25 miles of the Arlington Heights site.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, the Bears are locked into a lease at Soldier Field until 2033 but can break it in 2026 for $84 million. They would probably stay in Soldier Field through at least the 2028 season.
“We are at a pivotal juncture of the Chicago Bears franchise to build a new stadium, our future home in Arlington Heights, which will require zero state money for construction,” the letter states. “This is the year to finalize our stadium plans so we can officially bid to host a Super Bowl as soon as 2031. This is the moment to begin moving toward that future, and we want you with us.”
