Urlacher calls on Bears to stay at Soldier Field, opposes dome

Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher said this week that he wants the Chicago Bears to remain at Soldier Field and that he opposes the team playing in a domed stadium, as the franchise continues to explore long-term venue options. Urlacher argued that the outdoor conditions on Chicago’s lakefront are part of the team’s identity and can become a competitive factor late in the NFL season. He said an indoor move would remove an element that has shaped Bears home games for decades.

The Bears have not announced a final location, financing plan, or stadium design. Any major project would require approvals from public officials and private partners, and the club has not offered a definitive timeline for a decision.

Urlacher’s remarks come as the organization weighs multiple paths, including a potential Illinois option in Arlington Heights and a possible site in Indiana. He said he would oppose either scenario if the end result is an enclosed stadium, reiterating that his preference is for the Bears to stay at Soldier Field.

Urlacher’s case for an outdoor home-field edge

Urlacher framed late-season weather at Soldier Field as a practical advantage for the home team. He said games in November and December can be difficult because of wind and cold, forcing visiting teams to adjust quickly in an environment they do not face every week.

He also pointed to the routine of practicing and playing outdoors across the season. Urlacher argued that a team accustomed to those elements can be better prepared for cold-weather games than opponents who encounter them only on a single road trip.

What a domed stadium would change in Chicago

Urlacher said a dome would standardize the playing environment and remove many of the extremes associated with Soldier Field. In his view, that would reduce a traditional home-field edge and make the game-day setting more similar to indoor venues elsewhere in the league.

Supporters of enclosed stadiums often cite broader benefits such as a more predictable fan experience and added flexibility for hosting major non-football events. Urlacher’s comments focused on the football trade-off, putting identity and outdoor familiarity ahead of comfort and consistency.

The next signal to watch will be whether the Bears commit to a specific location and whether their preferred design points toward an outdoor stadium concept or an enclosed dome.