While the Chicago Bears continue their search for a new home, a Chicago state representative believes the Southeast Side deserves a serious look.

State Rep. Curtis Tarver has been actively lobbying Bears CEO Kevin Warren and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for the South Works site.  He is striving to keep the Bears in the Chicago city limits.

"The Bears should look seriously at the South Works quantum district and the surrounding Southeast Side," wrote Tarver in his proposal as reported by Gene Chamberlain of SI. "Not as a substitute for the quantum campus but as part of a broader plan for sports, science, health, education, lakefront access, jobs, small business growth, and neighborhood revival."

While the Southeast side remains the frontrunner for Tarver, if that doesn't work, Hammond remains the next best option.

“The reality is, if Hammond suffices and it’s just across the border, then why will we not look in an area where the city of Chicago residents can actually benefit?” said Tarver as per WGN9

Although Tarver is strongly in favor of a new stadium on the Southeast Side, he made his preference clear.

“If it comes between Arlington Heights and Hammond, Indiana, it is far better for the residents of the Southeast Side of Chicago that the Bears go to Indiana,” said Tarver.

While the Bears’ board has moved forward with a stadium proposal in Hammond, stakeholders believe the team is still considering alternative sites and that, if a better agreement can be reached, the team could change its mind.

"[Hammond is] also not a done deal. Indiana residents have to commit to a billion dollars for a private institution. And what I'm saying is, why not just look a few miles away on the city of Chicago side?" Tarver concluded.

Bears aim to make a final decision by late June or early summer 2026.

Hammond is only about 17–20 miles from Southeast Chicago, making it very close for South Side fans. That said, the residents of Chicago's Southeast Side are certainly pleased as the Bears move forward with their new stadium proposal.

Bears HOF Linebacker Gives His Take on the Stadium Saga

Mike Singletary does not care where the Chicago Bears play. He cares whether they win.

The Hall of Fame linebacker joined the growing list of franchise legends weighing in on the team's ongoing stadium controversy, appearing on the Up and Adams Show to share his perspective. 

"I gotta be honest with you, I've heard it all, at the end of the day, wherever they go whether it's Chicago, the suburbs, Indiana, as long as they win, they're always going to be the Bears," Singletary said. "I think Papa Halas would say just win."

Moreover, Singletary tied the entire debate back to financial competitiveness and the franchise's ability to attract top-tier talent and coaching.

"You can stay in Chicago, but if you can't compete on the financial side of things, you can't continue to bring on players and coaches that are going to make a difference," he said. "Then I think you're going to see the stands a little less full."

Do you think the Bears should leave the Chicago City limits? Tell us in the comments.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi