Bears meet potential neighbors in Indiana as Illinois lawmaker provides update on $5bn stadium vote

The Chicago Bears are finally closing in on a site for a state-of-the-art new stadium.

Almost two years ago, the franchise pivoted from Soldier Field to a new site in Arlington Heights.

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It would have allowed the team to own its home for the first time, but the $5 billion project has been delayed amid debate how much public money will be spent.

That has seen a major push from Hammond, Indiana, with lawmakers in the Hoosier State rolling out the welcome mat and moving quickly to approve a financing plan.

Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren has vowed to make a decision by late spring or early decision in the hopes of moving in by 2030.

The Bears met with representatives at the Lost Marsh Golf Club in Hammond, which would be a neighbor if they crossed state lines, Friday.

“We continue to work together with Indiana leaders on our commitment to finish the necessary due diligence work for the Hammond site,” the Bears told FOX 32. “The meeting today was another positive step in that process.”

The franchise is still believed to prefer building on a site it has already purchased in Arlington Heights, however, and Illinois officials could be about to play ball to avoid losing the Bears.

“We’ll have some good news in very short order,” Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner said on 104.3 The Score.

The House in in session Tuesday through Thursday before returning on May 5.

Buckner is expecting a vote to approve the Mega Projects bill that would help facilitate the move to Arlington Heights.

It would allow developers to freeze property tax assessments for up to 40 years and negotiate “payment in lieu of taxes” for projects costing $500 million or more.

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“I am more convinced than ever that the Bears will be building their new stadium in Arlington Heights,” he said on The Score.

The Bears may have been using Indiana in order to negotiate a better deal all along.

Uncertainly is bad for business and the NFL called a meeting with the Bears during the week of April 27, per the Chicago Tribune, with a view to receiving an update.

A decision will not come until there is a deal on the table, which could come as soon as this week.

Soldier Field needs major work

What is clear, is that Soldier Field will be abandoned.

Thankfully, a plan is already emerging to convert it into a concert venue at a cost of $630 million.

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Fox 32 Chicago has revealed a plan by the Chicago Park District to transform the 102-year-old arena and ensure the public isn’t left short changed.

The Bears could end up footing some of the bill with a $90 million payment should they break their lease before 2033.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that Chicago’s lakefront stadium continues to serve as a strong public asset that supports park programming and maintenance across the city, vital public services, and the broader tourism economy anchored by the Museum Campus,” Chicago Park District spokesperson Michelle Lemons told Fox 32.

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