Time running out on Bears to decide on new stadium site
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The NFL stadium committee will meet with Chicago Bears officials during the week of April 27 to review updates on the team's proposed new stadium sites in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.
- The Bears face a critical decision on relocating from Soldier Field after 50 years, with team leadership aiming for a resolution by late spring or early summer, amid pressure from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
- The key obstacle in Illinois is securing property tax certainty, as the Bears currently pay no property taxes at Soldier Field; Indiana offers tax exemptions and has passed legislation to support stadium financing.
- Illinois lawmakers are considering a PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) bill to provide tax stability for large developments like the Bears' stadium, but it has not yet passed the legislature, complicating the Bears' commitment to Illinois.
- While the Bears have deep historical ties to Illinois, team leadership acknowledges that relocating to Indiana would require fan adjustment, citing examples of other NFL teams relocating across state lines without losing fan support.
