Illinois strikes potentially decisive blow in $5bn Bears relocation battle with Indiana

The Chicago Bears’ gleaming new home is likely going to be built in Illinois.

A massive push from neighboring Indiana looked to have persuaded the franchise to cross state lines when it leaves Soldier Field.

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Indiana shot into pole position by passing a bill aimed at funding mega-projects, while the Bears couldn’t get Illinois to agree to fund the infrastructure around a $3.2 billion domed arena.

An estimated $1.8 billion price tag proved a huge stumbling block, but a House vote passed a key piece of legislation Wednesday night.

A bill designed to give the Bears and other major business projects property tax breaks was approved 15-5.

The Bears had already purchased a 322-acre site in Arlington Heights, which has always been the team’s preferred option since deciding to leave Soldier Field.

Now that the price is right, Indiana’s bid is expected to fall by the wayside, although nothing has been confirmed yet.

The bill must now clear the Senate, which resumed its session next week.

If it clears that hurdle and is signed by the Governor, property tax rates would be fixed on the new stadium after months of negotiations.

State Rep. Kam Buckner played a key role in crafting the megaprojects bill in a bid to ensure cross-party support.

An earlier version of the legislation stalled in February, much to the dismay of those who were desperate to keep the team, and new considerations for local residents will hopefully be enough to see it through.

“It’ll do something that the state has not done, that other states have not done in megaprojects legislation,” Buckner told the Chicago Sun-Times. “It’ll actually consider how these things should be able to help regular taxpayers as well.”

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NFL pushing for Bears stadium resolution

The NFL is keen for the situation to be resolved and the stadium committee will meet next week.

Chicago is the only item on the agenda, per Front Office Sports.

Bears president Kevin Warren wants a decision by the summer, with the Illinois spring legislative session ending May 31.

Warren and owner George McCaskey met with officials in Hammond, Indiana, recently “to finish the necessary due diligence.”

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has toured both sites and is keeping a close eye on proceedings.

“I think it’s really important they come to a resolution on this relatively soon,” he said recently. “This is an important time to get this resolved sooner rather than later.”

NFL Stadium Status

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What will happen to Soldier FIeld?

A plan is already emerging to convert Soldier Field into a concert venue at a cost of $630 million.

Fox 32 Chicago has revealed the Chicago Park District‘s vision for the 102-year-old arena.

“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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