Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is preparing a renewed effort to keep the Chicago Bears within city limits, proposing a new stadium at the former Michael Reese Hospital site—despite the location having already been rejected by both the team and the National Football League.
The mayor’s move comes as the Bears continue to focus on two suburban stadium options: a development on team-owned land in Arlington Heights and a separate proposal in Hammond, which has already secured legislative approval in Indiana.
Johnson’s latest push underscores ongoing political divisions in Illinois, where lawmakers have yet to align on a stadium funding plan. The Illinois General Assembly is expected to revisit the issue as its spring session resumes, with a potential decision timeline approaching in late spring or early summer.
Previously, Johnson supported a lakefront stadium project near Soldier Field, the Bears’ current home. However, that proposal faced strong community opposition, similar to past resistance against a museum project backed by filmmaker George Lucas.
The Michael Reese site, located in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, has undergone extensive evaluation, including a visit by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Ultimately, it was deemed unsuitable due to spatial constraints and active rail lines cutting through the area.
Bears President Kevin Warren recently reiterated that Arlington Heights remains the only viable option within Illinois. He added that the organization aims to finalize its stadium decision by late spring or early summer.
Meanwhile, Indiana officials remain cautiously optimistic, viewing Illinois’ internal disagreements as a potential advantage in securing the franchise’s future home.