Overview
- In a letter to legislators, the team said it set aside $25 million for Chicago and the Park District, allowing it to be used for Soldier Field maintenance, park programs, Illinois Sports Facilities Authority bond shortfalls, or other needs, and said it would send $25 million starting in 2028 for parks in under-resourced neighborhoods.
- State Rep. Kam Buckner criticized the offer as inadequate and disrespectful, citing the franchise’s multibillion-dollar valuation.
- Despite lobbying, no legislation advanced in Springfield to aid the Arlington Heights project during the fall veto session.
- The Bears wrote that the $25 million was not meant to address outstanding Soldier Field debt and asserted they have no obligation to repay the roughly $534 million in bonds.
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker questioned what the payment is tied to even as he expressed openness to a broader megadevelopment framework.