The Chicago Bears NFL team is sticking to its original timeline for selecting a site for its new stadium, after the Illinois legislature did not include a stadium bill in its latest budget.
In the early hours of Monday morning, the Illinois Senate approved a bill that would have enabled certain municipalities in Cook County to create local stadium authorities. Ultimately, the House adjourned without taking up the measure.
The development comes after the Bears in April welcomed the House’s approval of an economic development bill that could lead to a new stadium being built in the village of Arlington Heights, Cook County.
The team insisted at the time that further amendments were necessary, and the exclusion of the bill from the legislature budget raises fresh doubts over the team’s long-term future in Illinois.
The journey to now
The Bears currently play at Chicago’s Soldier Field, which has a capacity of 61,500 – the smallest in the NFL. With the team’s lease at Soldier Field expiring in 2033, it has been keeping its stadium options open.
In April 2024, the Bears unveiled plans for a new fixed-roof stadium south of Soldier Field but work on this project has not progressed. The Bears have attracted interest from Indiana, and in February state governor Mike Braun signed a bill to establish a stadium authority to lure the team from Illinois.
Indiana has earmarked the city of Hammond, which borders Chicago and Lake Michigan, as the location for a new stadium.
In December, Bears president and chief executive Kevin Warren revealed that the team was exploring locations in Indiana for a new home. The team had become frustrated that it had not been granted a discounted property tax rate for the former Arlington International Racetrack site, which it acquired for $197m (£146m/€169m) in 2023.
Following the latest developments in Illinois, the Bears said in a statement reported by NBC Chicago: “We will finalise our evaluation of both Arlington Heights and Hammond and remain on the late spring/early summer timeline that we have previously communicated. We will provide an update when we have a decision to share.”
Jim Tinaglia, Mayor of Arlington Heights, added: “The Village of Arlington Heights has spent the past five years working diligently to prepare for the redevelopment of Arlington Park.
“We are truly disappointed with the outcome from the spring legislative session yet again. Although we recognise that these discussions are complex and involve many stakeholders, this is clearly a fumble for the State of Illinois.”
