Chicago Bears stadium news: Bears talk with Illinois lawmakers plans in Arlington Heights, Chicago; Indiana introduces new bill
CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Bears have established themselves as the comeback kids this year, and now there are signs they could be making headway in a deal to build a stadium in Arlington Heights.
Conversations between the Bears and Illinois state lawmakers continue as the pressure to get something done builds.
The Chicago Bears are seemingly getting the bidding war they have wanted when it comes to their future home, and Indiana is now strengthening its pitch.
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The Bears are now caught in a three-way tug-of-war, with Chicago still working to keep them here while Indiana has intensified it’s courtship.
ABC7 learned Thursday night that two Republican Indiana lawmakers have proposed Senate Bill 27, which would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. It would acquire and finance “certain facilities”, enhancing the framework for a potential bears move to the state.
It comes just after Indiana Governor Mike Braun said he would do whatever he can to bring the bears over during his State of the State address Wednesday night.
The Chicago Bears shared a statement Thursday night on Indiana’s efforts, saying in part, “We appreciate the leadership and responsiveness of Governor Braun and Indiana lawmakers in advancing a framework that allows these conversations to move forward productively.”
Arlington Heights, meanwhile, is also ramping up its efforts to land the franchise there.
The Bears practiced Thursday with a sense of urgency as they look to extend their playoff run. But, there is another sense of urgency as they look for the winning play calling to be made by Springfield. that could clear the way for a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights.
“We’ve told the bears that they need to show their work,” State Rep. Kam Buckner said. “They need to be able to walk us through what this proposal is and what it means for folks.”
Infrastructure improvements around a new stadium would cost an estimated $832 million, which the Bears reportedly want the state to assist with. It’s an investment one northwest suburban tourism group says would be worth it.
“We can have Final Fours and Super Bowls and Big 10 championships and so much more that we haven’t even imagined yet,” said Heather Larson, President and CEO Meet Chicago Northwest. “So it becomes a huge revenue driver for the entire state.”
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The governor and leading lawmakers have expressed a willingness to help out with infrastructure but made no formal commitments.
‘We can’t do special things just because this is the Chicago Bears, and we also can’t stop some of the business incentives that we move forward just because this is the Chicago Bears, right?” Rep. Buckner said.
Lawmakers do have concerns about the $532 million still owed on the renovations at Soldier Field. The mayor is still hoping to keep the Bears in Chicago.
‘It’s going to take all of us to work together to come up with a package and a deal that keeps the Chicago Bears in the city of Chicago,” Johnson said.
Conversations about the Bears future are on going. Lawmakers return to Springfield next week.
“I hope that this can be a year where we can have a conversation, it’s open, honest and transparent about how to move forward. And the Bears know now that the ball is in their court,” Buckner said.
As the Bears prepare for their next playoff game on Sunday, the Village of Arlington Heights and area lawmakers will make a renewed push tomorrow for the legislature to get something done this session.
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