Chicago Bears stadium updates reveal Mayor Johnson’s dedication to keeping the franchise in Chicago despite relocation concerns.
Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; In an aerial view, Soldier Field is seen before a game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field.
Photo Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field during an appearance on 670 The Score’s “Rahimi & Harris Show” in early August 2025. With the Bears exploring potential relocation to Arlington Heights, the mayor emphasized that the team “belongs in the city of Chicago.”
Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson isn't giving up hope yet that the Bears could build a new stadium in the city. His door remains open for discussions.
"The Bears belong in the city of Chicago," he says. "And I believe that people know that." pic.twitter.com/PGIUUkt4NJ
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) August 4, 2025
During the interview, Mayor Johnson made his position clear:
“Look, the Bears belong in the city of Chicago… I believe that people know that.”
He cited ongoing investments across the city—such as the Fire’s new stadium and the 1901 Project on the West Side—as evidence of Chicago’s capacity and vision for hosting major sports infrastructure.
Johnson emphasized that city leadership must play a substantive role in stadium planning:
“We want to make sure the ownership of the Chicago Bears, the Park District and the residents of the city of Chicago have a real seat at the table to discuss a pathway forward.”
More Sports News
.wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla),
.wp-block-group:where(.alignfull) > .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla) {
width: calc(100vw – (var(–side-spacing) * 2)) !important;
}
.embla {
position: relative;
overflow: hidden;
}
.embla__container {
display: flex;
flex-wrap: nowrap;
gap: 0 !important;
width: 75%;
}
.embla__slide {
margin-inline-end: var(–column-gap);
}
.embla__arrow,
.embla__arrow:active,
.embla__arrow:target,
.embla__arrow:hover,
.embla__arrow:focus-visible {
display: none;
position: absolute;
top: 50%;
transform: translateY(-50%);
width: 40px;
height: 40px;
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
line-height: 0;
background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.75);
color: var(–color-primary);
border-radius: 100vw;
svg {
width: 24px;
}
}
.embla__prev {
left: 0;
}
.embla__next {
right: 0;
}
]]>
Although the Chicago Bears are under contract with Soldier Field through 2033, the mayor pointed out that the franchise has a buyout option earlier, and that the team ultimately retains control over any location decision
Mayor Johnson’s remarks signal a renewed sense of urgency—but also caution: the city is positioning itself as a willing partner, but not an eager hand-holder. With the Bears exploring options, Johnson aims to ensure that Chicago remains central to the conversation—not just physically, but in terms of planning and public benefit.
If the Bears do chart a future lakefront development, Johnson wants it to include equitable community investments and protective public uses. Should the team opt for Arlington Heights instead, his administration promises patience and pragmatism in navigating the politics and economics involved.
Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube and the Bears On Tap podcast for more Chicago Bears content, updates, and hot takes!