The Chicago Bears on Thursday announced that their new stadium planning and expectations, which the team had been balancing between options in Arlington Heights, Illinois and Hammond Indiana, will now have a "sole focus" on the site in the state next door.The club is definitely leaving Chicago, which it has called home since 1921.And it is almost definitely leaving Illinois, too.CHICAGO BEARS TAKE MAJOR STEP TOWARD LEAVING CITY AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY AS FRANCHISE MAKES INDIANA PLANS"...Even though we've had occasional meetings with the state of Illinois, our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed use development in Hammond, Indiana," Bears CEO Kevin Warren told reporters on Thursday.Jan 17, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, US; Chicago Bears chairman George H.McCaskey speaks as he introduces new Chicago Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren during the press conference at Halas Hall.
(Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)So, the Indiana Bears?The Hammond Bears?Nope."We will be the Chicago Bears, whether we're in Arlington or whether we're in Hammond," Bears Chairman George McCaskey said."And as Kevin said, our focus on Hammond, that's where we're advancing our efforts, and that's where the bulk of our time, attention, and resources are being devoted."McCaskey said he understands there is anxiety from Bears fans that the club is likely leaving the state.Fans cheer before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs at Soldier Field on Jan.
18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.(Michael Reaves/Getty Images)"We understand that that's out there," he said.
"And it needs to be dealt with.We are doing surveying, research, data collection, to address those issues.
And as I said months ago, this is going to require an adjustment."But it required an adjustment when we went from Wrigley [Field] to Soldier [Field].It required an adjustment when we went from, Soldier to Champaign temporarily.
And it require...