(670 The Score) As the Bears work toward their goal of winning a Super Bowl under new head coach Ben Johnson, they also have hopes to host one themselves.
In an open letter released Monday, Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren outlined the goal of hosting the Super Bowl as early as 2031 at the team's proposed stadium in Arlington Heights. In the letter, Warren reiterated that the organization's full focus is on building a stadium in Arlington Heights.
"We are at a pivotal juncture of the Chicago Bears franchise to build a new stadium, our future home in Arlington Heights, which will require zero state money for construction," Warren wrote. "This is the year to finalize our stadium plans so we can officially bid to host a Super Bowl as soon as 2031. This is the moment to begin moving toward that future, and we want you with us.
"Our new stadium, with a fixed-roof and the corresponding mixed-use development, will be worthy of the most passionate fan base in the NFL and capable of hosting marquee events year-round – from the Super Bowl to the Final Four to global soccer games to concerts to community events to youth sporting events. After purchasing 326 acres in Arlington Heights in 2023, we thoroughly evaluated other sites within Chicago's city limits, but none were viable."
The Bears plan to pay for the construction of the stadium itself but are seeking state funding through legislation for the mixed-use property on site. They've also been seeking the right to negotiate with taxing bodies, but those issues weren't voted on during the Illinois spring legislative session. The fall session runs through October.
Warren's letter comes ahead of the Bears kicking off their 2025 season against the Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday Night Football.
"For more than 50 years, Soldier Field has been our home," Warren wrote. "But so too were Wrigley Field, Memorial Stadium and Staley Field. We hope Arlington Heights will soon join that list – not because of its steel, brick or glass but because it will house what is irreplaceable to this franchise: You. Our Fans. Our Family."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.