Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren reaffirmed the team’s commitment to building a new state-of-the-art stadium in Arlington Heights, calling the project “extremely focused” and “on track” despite pending legislative approval.

“That is our plan,” Warren said after the Bears’ joint practice with the Miami Dolphins at Halas Hall. “We strongly believe that is the only location in Cook County that will allow us to build a new Chicago Bears stadium with a fixed roof.”

The team’s vision centers on transforming the 326-acre site of the former Arlington International Racecourse into a world-class sports and entertainment complex. Warren said the Bears have been holding weekly meetings with Arlington Heights officials for months.

“We are making great progress,” he emphasized. “Those meetings are going well. Making excellent, excellent progress.”

The stadium’s design, created by Manica Architecture, is already complete. It features a fixed translucent roof, a multi-story glass façade, and architectural elements inspired by Chicago’s Field Museum. The design combines modern materials like ceramic and metal panels with warm wood tones, balancing innovation with tradition.

But before construction can begin, the Bears are awaiting action from the Illinois Legislature. The project’s next step depends on a “mega-project bill” that would allow the team to negotiate property tax assessments with local governments. Warren expects the legislation to be considered during the fall veto session.

“The plan still is to proceed forward this year and hopefully receive a positive vote in the fall veto session from the Illinois state government to allow us to proceed forward with our project,” Warren said. “It is very, very important that it passes because without that legislation, we are not able to proceed forward.”

The Bears estimate the project could generate around 56,000 construction jobs and 9,100 permanent jobs, with significant ripple effects for the regional economy.

“You are talking about putting people to work,” Warren noted. “This is an economic bill that would give people jobs, allow them to work, and get to work. Yes, the Bears would benefit from it. But there is much more than the Bears benefiting from this bill. The entire state of Illinois would benefit from it.”

The proposed $4.7 billion development plan extends beyond the stadium itself. It includes a public park, green spaces, walking trails, and a recreational campus, designed to provide year-round community use. The team envisions the site as a sports, entertainment, and cultural destination that could host NFL games, concerts, conventions, and other large-scale events.

The Arlington Heights stadium would also replace Soldier Field as the Bears’ home, addressing the team’s longstanding desire for a modern facility with better amenities, improved fan experiences, and all-weather capability. With a fixed roof, the stadium could secure major events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and international soccer matches.

Warren stressed that while the Bears are committed to Arlington Heights, the project’s success hinges on legislative cooperation and public-private partnership. “This is not just about football,” he said. “It’s about jobs, economic development, and building something that will serve Illinois for generations.”

Originally reported by Chicago Construction News.