The Chicago Bears, often dubbed the “comeback kids” this season, are reportedly making progress in their efforts to construct a new stadium in Arlington Heights. The potential move has sparked significant discussions with Illinois state lawmakers as the urgency to finalize a deal grows.
The Bears find themselves at the center of a competitive bid, with Chicago striving to retain the team while Indiana steps up its attempts to lure them away. Meanwhile, Arlington Heights is making a determined push to secure the franchise for their community.
As the Bears geared up for practice on Thursday, their focus extended beyond the field. They are not only aiming to maintain their playoff momentum but also seeking crucial support from Springfield for a proposal that could pave the way for a state-of-the-art domed stadium in Arlington Heights.
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State Representative Kam Buckner emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “We’ve told the Bears that they need to show their work. They need to be able to walk us through what this proposal is and what it means for folks.”
The projected cost for infrastructure improvements surrounding the proposed stadium is estimated at $832 million. The Bears are reportedly seeking state assistance with this investment, which a local tourism group believes would yield substantial benefits for the northwest suburbs.
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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