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Bears Applaud Indiana Stadium Bill as Arlington Heights Presses Illinois for Action

The Bears propose to pay for the stadium itself, seeking infrastructure funding plus property‑tax certainty.

Overview

  • Indiana Senate Bill 27 was introduced and sent to Appropriations to create a Northwest Indiana stadium authority with powers to acquire, finance and lease facilities.
  • The Bears called the Indiana legislation a “significant milestone,” thanking Gov. Mike Braun and lawmakers for advancing a framework for discussions.
  • Arlington Heights officials held a “Keep the Bears in Illinois” push, urging passage of a Mega Projects/PILOT bill to enable negotiated property taxes for the team-owned Arlington Park site.
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker reiterated opposition to state funds for stadium construction but signaled willingness to support roads, utilities and related infrastructure, citing taxpayer protections.
  • NFL commissioner Roger Goodell toured the Arlington Heights parcel and Northwest Indiana sites, and the team surveyed season-ticket holders about a venue roughly 20 miles from Chicago, with no site decision announced.