Bears Stadium Deal Gains Traction in Illinois as Veto Session Approaches
A new report indicates growing confidence in a legislative pact to keep the team in the state, though Indiana officials remain skeptical of the shift.
By Leila Mansour ·
The effort to build a new home for the Chicago Bears in Illinois is gaining momentum, according to a report published Thursday by Crain’s Chicago Business. The outlet states that confidence is rising regarding a potential vote in the Illinois General Assembly. This legislative action is expected to follow the midterm elections and could finalize a pact to keep the franchise in the state.
The proposed agreement centers on creating a stadium district. This mechanism would allow municipalities, specifically Arlington Heights, to authorize the construction of a stadium on public land. Crucially, the district structure would exempt the facility from property taxes. This tax exemption has been a primary point of contention in previous negotiations to retain the team in Illinois.
The deal also aims to keep Chicago in the running for the stadium site. By maintaining the city as a viable option, the proposal seeks to secure votes from city-based lawmakers. These legislators previously resisted agreements that appeared to favor only the suburban option in Arlington Heights, where the Bears own the former Arlington International Racecourse site.
Despite the positive reporting, Indiana officials are not convinced. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. dismissed the Illinois developments bluntly. "The only focus right now is Hammond Indiana, that’s it," McDermott said. He noted that the team is not looking at Arlington Heights and questioned the affordability of other Illinois sites. "Get out of here. Bridgeport has the same problems, you can’t afford them Illinois!" he added.
The Bears have consistently stated that Indiana remains their primary focus. However, that stance has not stopped meetings between Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and other public officials. These discussions continue to center on talks to keep the Bears in Illinois.
Residents on both sides of the state line are reacting to the shifting dynamics. In Whiting, Indiana, Luis Aguilar said at the Mustache Lounge, "We expected for them to fight to keep them like it’s a bad breakup." In Arlington Heights, fans are feeling more optimistic, with one social media post noting, "Alright Bears fans, it looks like the bluff to move to Indiana actually worked."
The decisive moment will arrive when the fall veto session begins in mid-November. Unlike the spring session, which requires a simple majority to pass bills, the veto session demands supermajorities. Democrats must muster enough votes to pass the measure, a hurdle that will determine whether the Bears remain in Illinois.
