The future home of the Chicago Bears may no longer be in Chicago, according to NBC Chicago.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently revealed that the league currently sees two “viable” sites for a new Bears stadium — and neither location is within Chicago city limits. The two options reportedly being considered are Arlington Heights, Illinois and Hammond, Indiana.
The update has sparked major conversation across the Chicago area as fans continue waiting for the organization to decide where its long-discussed stadium project will move forward. While city leaders have pushed to keep the team in Chicago, momentum appears to be growing outside the city.
The Arlington Heights proposal has remained a leading option since the Bears purchased the former Arlington Park racetrack property. The site offers plenty of space for a massive development that could include a domed stadium, restaurants, entertainment, retail, and surrounding attractions.
At the same time, Hammond, Indiana has quickly emerged as a serious contender. Indiana lawmakers recently approved legislation aimed at helping support a professional stadium project near the Illinois border. Supporters believe the move could bring major economic growth and new development opportunities to Northwest Indiana.
Meanwhile, discussions involving a renovated or rebuilt Soldier Field have not completely disappeared, but financial concerns and disagreements over public funding continue creating obstacles.
Goodell’s comments suggest the Bears may be getting closer to making a final decision after years of uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s future stadium plans.
For many fans, the biggest surprise is the possibility that one of the NFL’s most historic franchises could eventually play outside Chicago entirely.
The Bears have not officially announced a final choice, but with pressure increasing from both Illinois and Indiana leaders, a major decision could come sooner rather than later.
