Illinois vs. Indiana stadium competition puts Bears in the drivers' seat
Chicago Sun-Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Indiana's offer to build a new stadium for the Chicago Bears has pressured Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and lawmakers to reconsider their stance, moving the Bears closer to a stadium deal in Illinois.
- Pritzker and State Rep. Kam Buckner have softened their positions on the Bears’ outstanding $532 million Soldier Field debt and the $855 million infrastructure improvements needed for a proposed $2 billion stadium at Arlington International Racecourse.
- Indiana legislation proposes creating a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to build a stadium for the Bears, allowing the team to lease it for 35 years and retain all stadium revenues, presenting a more favorable financial arrangement than the current Chicago deal.
- Arlington Heights officials are pushing Illinois lawmakers to pass legislation enabling the
