CHICAGO (WLS) — Kevin Warren, the President and CEO of the Chicago Bears, confirmed in a press briefing on Friday that the organization intends to develop a new stadium in Arlington Heights.

It has been anticipated for some time, but fans received the clearest confirmation yet from Warren, who declared Arlington Heights their main focus.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“We are still extremely focused on Arlington Heights, on building our stadium there,” Warren said.

Warren mentioned that the Bears have been holding weekly discussions with the leaders of Arlington Heights regarding their proposal, noting that progress has been very positive. The team aims to advance with the project within this year.

Joined by Bears chairman George McCaskey, Warren provided updates on the ongoing conversations about relocating the team to the former racecourse site in Arlington Heights, which the team currently owns.

Warren said the team believes Arlington Heights is the only location in Cook County that will work with their design plan, including a fixed-roof.

Last month, the team asked fans for input on things like parking, tailgating and other fan experiences in a survey.

This development suggests the team is moving away from the idea of renovating the current stadium on Chicago’s waterfront, with Warren indicating they are close to starting the construction process.

“The objective is to begin groundwork this year… Officially breaking ground next year, but commencing groundwork this year, and to be ready to start playing in the new stadium,” Warren stated.

“I am glad to hear that, because internally in our office when we meet with them, that’s how we feel about it and we agree with that,” Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia said.

While the team is ready to make this move happen now, Warren also says they’re hoping for some help from the state legislature this fall in passing a tax relief bill that would help the team’s move to Arlington Heights. That money would not go to the stadium, just the surrounding infrastructure for restaurants, retail and various public spaces.

RELATED | Bears release renderings of possible Arlington Park stadium district, seek public money for project

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has shut the door on any state financial help that goes directly to the stadium, but he has told ABC7 that he may be open to the idea of state dollars helping the infrastructure surrounding the stadium.

Village leaders in Arlington Heights are ready to help make that pitch.

“Everything else that has to happen around that can start gearing up and those organizations, collaborations and partners can start looking at as, ‘Yeah, they’re coming to town, and we need to be at the table to make this the best it could be,'” said Jon Ridler with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.

There may be some clarity now on the Bears’ future plans, but some fans are still disappointed.

“History… when you drive past here you smell the bears you can hear the roar, and it’s not even a game,” Bears fan AJ Horn said. “No. I don’t want them to move. I really don’t.”

The Bears have a lease at Soldier Field through 2033, but there is a possibility to break that lease in 2026 if they pay a hefty fee.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office declined to comment on the Bears update.