HAMMOND, IND. (WOWO) The next two weeks could play a critical role in determining whether the Chicago Bears select a stadium site in northwest Indiana or remain in Illinois, as both states advance competing proposals aimed at securing the NFL franchise’s future home.
The Lead Off
- Chicago Bears are considering stadium sites in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana
- Illinois lawmakers are working on legislation that could influence the team’s decision before May 31
- Indiana officials say their financing plan for a Hammond site includes tax revenues and infrastructure funding
Illinois lawmakers advance stadium-related proposal
The Illinois Legislature is nearing the end of its session and continues negotiations on a proposal aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Arlington Heights, a suburb where the team already owns property.
The measure under consideration would allow developers of large-scale “megaprojects” to negotiate property tax agreements with local governments through payment-in-lieu-of-taxes arrangements.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday in Chicago that legislative leaders are expected to make changes before a final vote.
“I think they’re going to make changes to the bill, no doubt,” Pritzker said. “But I would expect that we’ll see something before May 31.”
Pritzker added that the decision-making process now rests with the Legislature as negotiations continue.
Bears narrow stadium options to two sites
The Chicago Bears have stated that only two locations remain under consideration for a new stadium: Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.
In a recent statement, the team said a final decision is expected “between the two later this spring or early summer.”
A team spokesperson declined further comment Monday.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed an alternative lakefront stadium plan, but state officials have indicated it is not currently part of active negotiations.
Indiana proposal centers on Hammond site
Indiana officials continue to promote a stadium plan for Hammond, located near Wolf Lake along the Indiana-Illinois border.
The state’s financing package includes multiple funding sources tied to the proposed stadium district, including:
- Tax revenues from a designated development district
- A 12% admissions tax on stadium events
- An increase in the Lake County hotel tax from 5%
- A 1% food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties
- Infrastructure funding supported in part by Indiana Toll Road payments
Officials say additional funding could come from a $700 million payment from the Indiana Toll Road operator as part of a recent toll adjustment agreement.
Gov. Mike Braun previously signed the financing plan into law and has said state officials believe the Bears have completed their review of potential sites.
“I think it will boil down to where they want to be for the next 50 years in terms of a good business partner,” Braun said.
Decision timeline approaching
The Bears have indicated a final stadium decision is expected by early summer, with both Illinois and Indiana continuing legislative and financial negotiations in the coming weeks.
State officials in both states say the outcome could hinge on whether Illinois finalizes its megaproject incentive legislation before the end of its session.
The Takeaway
- The Chicago Bears are weighing two remaining stadium options in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana, with a final decision expected by early summer.
- Illinois lawmakers are working to finalize a megaproject tax agreement that could help keep the team in-state, with a potential vote expected before May 31.
- Indiana continues to promote its Hammond financing package, which relies on multiple tax sources and infrastructure funding tied to the Indiana Toll Road agreement.
