The Bears claim to be focused on building a new stadium in Indiana. And yet they’re still talking to Illinois.
Via Danny Ecker of Crain’s Chicago Business, the possible construction in Arlington Heights could entail a publicly-owned venue.
Per the report, recent discussions between the Bears and Illinois officials have focused on a public model. Thursday’s meeting between, Commissioner Roger Goodell, Bears minority owner Pat Ryan, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, and state legislative leaders, has renewed hope that the Bears won’t cross the border for their next home.
Ecker also points out that Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren and primary owner George McCaskey were “notably absent” from Thursday’s meeting.
Public ownership would solve the property-tax question that has stalled the team’s ability to convert the Arlington Park site, which the Bears own, into a new stadium.
The goal is to craft legislation that would pass both houses of the Illinois Legislature.
The Bears originally intended to own, and to privately finance, the new stadium. That strategy hasn’t gained sufficient footing. The leverage that comes from the Indiana option has spurred the powers-that-be in Illinois to explore a different strategy that would keep the team from leaving the state.
The best outcome would be, in our view, a new stadium in Chicago. If that’s not doable, it’s far better for the Bears to stay in Illinois than to move to another state.
Still, the Indiana option has always seemed to be aimed at getting the attention of Illinois. That apparently has worked. The next question is whether they can get a deal done to build a new stadium in Illinois.
Until then, the Bears will continue to play at Soldier Field. Enjoy the open-air experience while it lasts.