State of Indiana takes major step to lure Chicago Bears from Illinois

by: Nick Schultz 28 minutes ago NickSchultz_7

The state of Indiana’s quest to lure the Chicago Bears away from Illinois took a new turn on Thursday. The Senate introduced a bill to establish a stadium authority to help generate funding for a new stadium.

S.B. 27 was introduced Thursday by Senate majority floor leader Chris Garten , calling for the establishment of a stadium authority. The purpose would be to acquire and finance “certain facilities” as the state tries to position itself to land the Bears.

The stadium authority would “acquire, construct, equip, own, lease, and finance facilities,” according to the bill. It would also include an option for the Bears to eventually buy the stadium once the debt is paid off.

In a statement Thursday night, the franchise acknowledged the Indiana bill and the support from Indiana Gov. Mike Braun . Team president Kevin Warren previously confirmed the Bears were open to Northwest Indiana as a stadium site amid ongoing conversations with the state of Illinois about a site in Arlington Heights, located in Chicago’s western suburbs.

“The legislation presented by the State of Indiana is a significant milestone in our discussions around a potential stadium development in Chicagoland’s Northwest Indiana region,” the statement read. “We appreciate the leadership and responsiveness of Governor Braun and Indiana lawmakers in advancing a framework that allows these conversations to move forward productively.”

Bears’ stadium search takes another turn

The Bears purchased the Arlington Park Racecourse in Arlington Heights in 2023 with hopes of leaving Soldier Field for a new stadium. Although the franchise presented renderings for a new location on Chicago’s lakefront, focus shifted back to Arlington Park.

However, the Bears need assistance from the Illinois General Assembly. The team wants to negotiate taxes with nearby schools and other taxing bodies, which is why the state legislature is necessary.

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