Chicago Bears' announcement is a final cry to Illinois: Act fast

Bears leadership left to right: Brian McCaskey, Kevin Warren, and George McCaskey listen as general manager Ryan Poles speaks with the media at Halas Hall on Jan. 21, 2026, in Lake Forest. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

By Brad Biggs | bmbiggs@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune

PUBLISHED: June 5, 2026 at 1:47 PM CDT

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Friday's announcement by the Chicago Bears made one thing clear: Arlington Heights site isn't dead yet, but Illinois will need to act quickly.

Already have an account

This article is only available to subscribers

Flash Sale

Standard Digital

$1 for 1 year

Get this offer

Offer valid for non-subscribers only

Most Popular

More tickets for Obama Presidential Center museum to go on sale
More tickets for Obama Presidential Center museum to go on sale
West Loop woman dies in late-night boat collision near Monroe Harbor and 4 others injured: ‘She was the very best of us’
West Loop woman dies in late-night boat collision near Monroe Harbor and 4 others injured: ‘She was the very best of us’
First felony conviction from Operation Midway Blitz on rocks amid grand jury scandal
First felony conviction from Operation Midway Blitz on rocks amid grand jury scandal
NBA draft: Chicago Bulls trade their two 2nd-round picks and acquire Kam Jones from Indiana Pacers
NBA draft: Chicago Bulls trade their two 2nd-round picks and acquire Kam Jones from Indiana Pacers
Social Security sending double payments to some beneficiaries in July
Social Security sending double payments to some beneficiaries in July
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss to resign in October, which will trigger a special election for his successor
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss to resign in October, which will trigger a special election for his successor
Editorial: Mayor Brandon Johnson almost threw away $800 million of Chicago’s money in massive parking meter blunder
Editorial: Mayor Brandon Johnson almost threw away $800 million of Chicago's money in massive parking meter blunder
Gobernadora de Nuevo México pide pesquisa penal por envíos de fentanilo tolerados por la DEA
Gobernadora de Nuevo México pide pesquisa penal por envíos de fentanilo tolerados por la DEA
Lincoln Square 6-bedroom home with in-ground pool and multi-use court: $2M
Lincoln Square 6-bedroom home with in-ground pool and multi-use court: $2M
Asking Eric: Friend never visits
Asking Eric: Friend never visits

Column: Chicago Bears’ announcement about advancing their Hammond plans is a final cry to Illinois to act fast

Standard Digital

More in Chicago Bears

What to know about the Chicago Bears’ possible move from Soldier Field

Caleb Williams’ initial ‘Iceman’ trademark application denied — but the Chicago Bears QB can appeal the ruling

Chicago Bears will be featured in Hallmark Channel’s ‘Holiday Touchdown’ movie this Christmas

Chicago Bears announce 10 training camp dates open to the public. Here’s how to attend.

Standard Digital

Share this:

More in Chicago Bears