A conceptual image of a domed Chicago Bears stadium in Arlington Heights (Courtesy of the Chicago Bears)
After years on the sidelines, Illinois lawmakers are making a renewed push to help the Chicago Bears move forward with their long-stalled plan for a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights. The effort comes as Indiana lawmakers make their own aggressive bid to lure the storied franchise across the state line.
Key legislation that would freeze the Bears’ property tax assessment and allow for payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) for up to 40 years is finally gaining traction in Springfield. “We’re in the huddle now,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago), signaling that negotiations are active and ongoing.
The urgency follows Indiana’s passage of a bill to create a stadium authority, with sites near Hammond and other cities under consideration. The Bears, who bought the Arlington Park site three years ago, have yet to break ground as they await legislative certainty. Gov. JB Pritzker’s office is leading talks that could see more than $850 million in infrastructure commitments, but the deal’s fate depends on winning over Chicago lawmakers wary of making it easier for the Bears to leave the city—especially with Soldier Field renovation debts still unpaid.
“We obviously don’t want to see the Bears move to Indiana, but we’re not going to get into a bidding war using taxpayer dollars,” said State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago).
As Indiana’s deadline approaches, Illinois legislators are working to finalize a deal that keeps the Bears in-state, but major hurdles remain. “We’re calling plays and figuring out what’s going to work,” said Buckner. “But what yard line are we on? That remains to be seen.”