Chicago Bears fans were bracing for the worst on the new stadium updates about a month ago, but now it appears proper steps are being taken to ensure they stay in Illinois.
Bears team president and CEO Kevin Warren gave fans an update in December that they were looking into moving to Indiana if they couldn't get something done with the Arlington Heights location they acquired three years ago to build the new stadium at. Since then, state representatives have been working with the franchise to make sure they don't lose the team.
The Daily Herald's Chris Placek reported that there are positive signs, as House Bill 2789 is scheduled for a hearing on February 12. This bill would give the Bears their new stadium in Arlington Heights, as state legislators have pushed to lower ticket prices for Bears games in exchange for a long-term property tax break for the franchise.
New Bears stadium developments …
— Chris Placek (@chrisplacek) February 14, 2026
After languishing for three years in Springfield, the Bears-backed megaproject legislation is finally out of the rules committee and set for a formal hearing Thursday.
Next week’s news tonight in the @dailyherald https://t.co/xWyk7n3PmI
Bears move one step closer to their new stadium
There has been a strong push from state representatives to do what they can to make sure the stadium doesn't leave Illinois. The Bears and state members like Illinois governor JB Pritzker, Rep. Mary Beth Canty, and others have been meeting behind closed doors over the last two months to align.
“You are definitely seeing positive signs of movement,” Canty told The Daily Herald. “You’re seeing people that are moving with a purpose. They are moving quickly, but still in a way that is smart and methodical.”
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There is much more to discuss with the new stadium, as Bears fans hope this is one of the final steps in the franchise moving forward with construction and finally securing a new home for the stadium.