Illinois and Indiana share a border and a desire to be the home of a future Chicago Bears stadium. Here is the latest on that front.
Illinois lawmakers make progress with bill to keep Bears in-state
It was a busy Thursday on the Bears stadium news front. We can begin in Illinois, where lawmakers made progress with the mega projects bill that would help the team build a new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights. You can read more about the nitty-gritty regarding this news via the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, FOX-32, and Capitol News Illinois.
The team seems to be insisting that a bill like this is necessary to build a new Bears stadium on what was once the site of Arlington Park, which the franchise purchased in 2022 with hopes of building a fixed-roof stadium and mixed-use development (think hotels, rental property, dining, shopping spots, entertainment options, and things of that nature) on the property. Proponents of the bill would likely point out how the bill isn’t limited to the Bears and that any entity investing $500 million under the mega projects umbrella can apply to receive these agreements. There are plenty of folks who could potentially benefit from the mega projects bill getting the green light.
But opponents of the bill would likely underscore that a billion-dollar entity shouldn’t get a freeze on property taxes that would go to fund schools.
If you are someone who wants to see the Bears stay in Illinois, then you will likely see today’s news from Springfield as a step in a positive direction. However, the bill isn’t in its final form, so we’ve got some time before this Bears stadium ordeal gets finalized, since it won’t be voted on until March (at the earliest).
Indiana Senate passes bill to commit $1 billion to new Bears stadium
Over in the Hoosier State, the Indiana Senate passed a bill that appears to be the biggest step toward sticking the landing and becoming the future home site of Bears football. NBC-5 Chicago has details on a bill that would promise an estimated $1 billion in incentives via taxes to lure the team across state lines and into building a Bears stadium project in Hammond near Wolf Lake. The bill passed through the Indiana House by a 95-4 vote earlier in the week.
Statements from Indiana Gov. Mike Braun…
“We made it clear from the beginning that Indiana is open for business. I’m thrilled to sign Senate Bill 27 to create the framework to build a new world-class stadium in Northwest Indiana. Now let’s get this across the goal line.”
… and the team:
“Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Governor Braun signing SB 27, establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana.
“We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.”
On the one hand, it is clear that Indiana’s push is strong and serious. But on the other hand, the Bears continue to make that state wait before it makes a firm commitment regarding a possible move across the Skyway and into Hammond. In other words, this thing is far from over.
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