Chicago Bears face new stadium push as Indiana panel unanimously advances bill
The chicago bears signaled a possible move out of Illinois after Indiana lawmakers on a House Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 to advance an amendment to SB 27 that would clear a path for the team to build a new domed stadium in Hammond.
The amendment would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority with the power to issue bonds, acquire land and finance construction, and it identifies a site near Wolf Lake along Interstate 90 that crosses the Illinois–Indiana border; Wolf Lake sits around 25 minutes south of Soldier Field. The committee vote was unanimous, 24-0.
Chicago Bears eyed Hammond site near Wolf Lake
The Bears said, "The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. " The team noted it has previously announced plans to invest $2 billion toward construction and that it had purchased a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights where it had explored an Illinois option.
Committee vote, taxes and financing details
Lawmakers advancing the amendment discussed funding measures for the Northwest Indiana project that would include new food, beverage and innkeepers taxes in Indiana's northwest counties to help pay for the stadium and related infrastructure. Indiana Governor Mike Braun wrote that "Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears, " and said the amendment "puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly. "
Reactions in Illinois and what was postponed
Illinois officials and some fans reacted sharply. A spokesperson for Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker said, "Illinois was ready to move this bill forward" and that after a productive meeting the Bears asked the Illinois General Assembly to pause a hearing so the team could tweak the legislation; an Illinois House panel hearing that had been set for Thursday morning was canceled. Governor Pritzker said, "It was a surprise to us. " The Bears' lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033.
Hammond leaders pushed the proposal at the hearing: Hammond's mayor said the city would partner with the Bears and described Hammond as part of the Chicagoland region prepared to help make the project succeed. Speakers at the Indiana hearing included the Indiana Speaker of the House and Hammond's mayor.
With the amendment advanced, the next confirmed steps named in public statements are the Bears' completion of site-specific due diligence and further consideration of the SB 27 amendment; the amendment would establish the stadium authority and the financing framework if it proceeds. The Illinois House panel hearing that had been scheduled was canceled as the Bears and Illinois officials continued discussions.
