Bears seek $855 million in public funding for infrastructure to build suburban stadiumBy Canadian Press on September 30, 2025. Though the Bears have said they plan to pay for the stadium itself, they are seeking assistance to help complete the project. Their focus moved toward building a new stadium next to Soldier Field after Warren was hired as president two years ago to replace the retiring Ted Phillips. Last spring, the team announced it was turning its attention back to Arlington Heights, citing “significant progress” with local leaders. Since moving to Chicago in 1921, the Bears have never owned their stadium, whether playing at Wrigley Field from 1921 to 1970 or Soldier Field since then.