NFL’s second-oldest team admits defeat as $5bn relocation from 102-year-old stadium confirmed in statement

The Chicago Bears have seemingly done everything in their power to keep the team in Chicago.

But it doesn’t appear as though it is meant to be for the NFL‘s second-oldest franchise to remain in the city, though not for lack of trying.

Getty

Despite having floated the idea of potentially building a new stadium in Chicago, the Bears have now issued a clear statement that they will be closing the door to what has been their home for over a century.

“The Chicago Bears have exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago, which was our initial goal,” the team said in a statement issued on Thursday, via the Associated Press.

“There is not a viable site in the city. As a result, the only sites under consideration are in Arlington Heights and Hammond.”

This new statement is far stronger than the one that the iconic NFL team gave the day prior to Jeremy Gorner of the Chicago Tribune.

“The team has been clear with the city of Chicago and state leaders there are only two viable stadium locations under consideration, Arlington Heights and Hammond, and a decision is expected between the two later this spring or early summer,” the team had initially said.

End of an era

Soldier Field has hosted the Bears since 1971, but the 102-year-old arena can no longer accommodate the growing demands of a team in the modern NFL.

The team knew that years ago, which is why they purchased the 326-acre Arlington Park racetrack property back in 2023 for a mere $197 million.

The plan was to use that site in Arlington Heights to construct a domed stadium worth an estimated $4.7 billion.

However, with negotiations over the site at a standstill, an eleventh hour proposal emerged about the possibility of moving the team across state lines and to the Wolf Lake site in Hammond after Indiana lawmakers approved a hefty financing plan.

Multiple other possible sites emerged, one in Gary, Hammond, and one in the 48,000-strong city of Portage.

Getty

Chicago Bears / Manica

Even the state of Iowa joined the party late, though these proposals were all short-lived as the Bears zeroed-in on Arlington Heights and Wolf Lake as the two leading frontrunners for a stadium relocation.

The NFL requested an update on the status of Chicago’s relocation at this week’s owners’ meetings in Orlando, Florida where NFL commissioner Roger Goodell revealed an update on the ‘ongoing’ process.

“There was a report on all of the stadium projects,” he revealed. “We’re in the midst of what we would call a very significant stadium construction period and/or significant renovations.

“There was a specific update on the Bears with respect to the two sites that they are evaluating that are viable in the Bears’ mind and others, in ours. One in Illinois and one in Indiana.

“That process is going on. The legislature in Illinois is obviously focused on that. They’re getting into the final days of their session.

“I’ve spoken to the governor recently. I think there’s a focus on trying to get something done there, and then they’ll have two viable sites that the Bears can make their decision from.”

NFL Stadium Status

Chicago Bears – NFL’s second-oldest franchise ready to abandon state as $5bn stadium project delayed again

Kansas City Chiefs – Chiefs owner issues response as Kansas City’s $4bn cross-state relocation plan hits roadblock

Jacksonville Jaguars – $5.6bn NFL team to relocate 150 miles away to 90-year-old stadium as decision made

Cleveland Browns – NFL team stung by new $2.6bn stadium as owners release statement

Tennessee Titans – Inside $2.2bn NFL stadium revealed as new ‘stolen’ uniforms and logo slammed after leak

The stakes remain, high, though, and time is ticking down fast with the state of Illinois facing a May 31 deadline to get something done, or they risk losing the Bears to Indiana.

Stay up to date with the NFL across all our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET.