The Chicago Bears’ quest to find a more advantageous stadium situation made progress in two different venues on Thursday, as both Indiana and Illinois advanced plans in favor of stadium proposals.
Indiana, which has been pursuing the team ever since the Bears were initially rebuffed in attempts to secure a new stadium deal in their longtime home of Chicago, approved a funding deal in the state senate for the construction of a stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Ind., located in the state’s northwest corner, part of the Chicago metropolitan area.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed the bill, which will establish a stadium authority.
“We made it clear from the beginning that Indiana is open for business,” Braun said on social media. “I’m thrilled to sign Senate Bill 27 to create the framework to build a new world-class stadium in Northwest Indiana. Now let’s get this across the goal line.”
On the same day, an Illinois House committee passed a bill that would keep property taxes low for a potential complex in suburban Arlington Heights. That marked a major shift for Illinois, as earlier efforts at a so-called “megaprojects” bill had trouble moving out of committee.
The Bears already own land in Arlington Heights area, with property taxes being the main obstacle to building a new stadium there.
It is unclear if a measure would gain enough votes to pass a full House floor vote in the legislature, which reconvenes on March 18.
Indiana isn’t completely in the clear either, however, as environmental findings from the Hammond site, located near Wolf Lake, are still outstanding.
Nevertheless, progress on both fronts is a positive development for the team.
“Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Gov. Braun signing SB27, establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana,” the team said in a statement. “We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.”
Hammond, Ind., is roughly 26 miles southeast of Soldier Field, while Arlington Heights is about 30 miles northwest of the Bears’ current home.
Earlier this year, the Kansas City Chiefs took a similar step, ending their long-standing deal with Missouri and planning to move to a new stadium across the border in Kansas. The new agreement provides additional revenue streams for the Chiefs and aligns with the franchise’s financial goal for shared funding, which Missouri refused to consider.
The Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971. The team played the 2002 season at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill., on the University of Illinois campus, while Soldier Field underwent a massive renovation.
