Overview
- House Speaker Chris Welch called talks about aiding a new Bears stadium “insensitive,” saying voters are focused on affordability concerns.
- The Bears say they are evaluating options in northwest Indiana after being told their Arlington Heights plan is not a 2026 priority in Springfield.
- Indiana Governor Mike Braun signaled willingness to work with the team, and a sports consultant said northwest Indiana has a stadium authority in place.
- The team proposes more than $2 billion in private investment and seeks $855 million for infrastructure plus property tax certainty through a PILOT mechanism.
- Legislation covering megaprojects and the Bears’ PILOT request stalled in the fall veto session, and Governor J.B. Pritzker opposes state money for stadium construction.