Latest Bears News and Rumors on New Stadium Site Ahead of 'Critical Decision' on Soldier Field Move

The Chicago Bears are reportedly set for a pivotal meeting with the NFL's stadium committee later this month regarding the site of their future stadium.

According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, the virtual meeting will take place April 27, and the only item on the agenda is a discussion regarding whether the Bears will choose Arlington Heights, Illinois, or Hammond, Indiana, as their new home.

Cronin noted that the Bears are "closing in on a critical decision," as they are preparing to move on from Soldier Field on the South Side of Chicago, which has been their home since 1971.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters earlier this month that the league wants the Bears to come to a decision "relatively soon," and Bears President Kevin Warren said he anticipates a finalization of plans by "late spring, early summer."

The Bears played their home games at the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field from 1921 to 1970 before the construction of the football-only Soldier Field.

Soldier Field has played host to the Bears for the past 55 years with the exception of 2002 when they played their home games at the University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium due to Soldier Field undergoing renovations.

Some of the Bears' greatest successes came during their time at Soldier Field, including the 1985 season when they won their first and only Super Bowl on the strength of arguably the greatest defense of all time.

After missing the playoffs in four straight seasons, the Bears returned to prominence last season behind quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson, going 11-6, winning the NFC North title and reaching the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.