ESPN college football insider suggests Bears stadium proposal may have Big Ten ramifications

Bears CEO Kevin Warren penned an open letter to Chicago fans on Monday regarding the construction of Arlington Heights Stadium. Warren plans for the Stadium to be used for more than just Bears games, however.

In his letter, Warren, who is the former commissioner of the Big Ten Conference, noted that they want to host the Super Bowl there in 2031. In addition, concerts, global sporting events such as soccer matches, community events, etc. have all been factored into the construction plans.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg proposed another use for the Stadium, specifically around December. Based on Warren’s Big Ten ties, as well as it’s Chicago-area location, would be perfect to host the Big Ten Championship game.

“Interesting timing for the former Big Ten commissioner, but there could be Big Ten impact here, as the new stadium would make a lot of sense as an option for the league’s football title game,” Rittenberg suggested, via X.

As it stands, Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of the Indianapolis Colts, hosts the Big Ten Championship game on an annual basis. The game has been played there annually since 2011.

Moving the conference championship game up to Chicago, or Arlington Heights, which is northwest of the city’s downtown, would bring the game to a city with over one million more residents than Indianapolis.

Include its tourist attractions, food, etc., and the city has all of the makings to be a strong host for a conference championship game. For reference, Indianapolis’ population is around 888,000, while Chicago is well over 2 million, according to Census data.

Still, there’s no indication that the Big Ten is moving away from Lucas Oil Stadium. After all, every Big Ten championship game has been played at the venue.

At the same time, Warren is set on making the Bears new stadium into one that can be used for any occasion. If the time is right, perhaps a Big Ten Championship game or two down the line.

“Just as we have strengthened our team on the field, we have also remained focused off the field on delivering a world-class home for the future,” Warren wrote in the letter. “… This is the type of venue and destination that you all have deserved for years, and we are working every day to make progress. This stadium will allow us to have the best home field advantage in the National Football League.”

The Bears will kick off its 2025 NFL season against the Minnesota Vikings in QB JJ McCarthy‘s NFL debut. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET live on ABC and ESPN. Chicago is a one-point favorite, per BetMGM.