Illinois Fails to Approve $5 Billion Bears Stadium Amid Legislative Deadline
Illinois last-gasp push for new $5 billion Chicago Bears stadium runs out of time following ‘make or break’ day
Image: The Sun
The Illinois legislature's last-minute effort to approve a $5 billion stadium for the Chicago Bears failed as the House adjourned without voting on the bill. While the Senate approved the funding, the Bears are now evaluating options in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana.
- 01The Illinois Senate approved a revised stadium funding bill with a 37-17 vote, but the House did not take it up before adjourning.
- 02Governor J.B. Pritzker's office expressed a desire for the Bears to remain in Illinois but emphasized careful review of the new bill.
- 03The Bears are considering two potential stadium sites: Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana, where Indiana lawmakers are proposing a $5 billion domed venue.
- 04The Bears have been evaluating their options and expect to make a decision on a new stadium site by late spring or early summer.
- 05Soldier Field has been the Bears' home since 1971, and the team is exploring alternatives as discussions continue.
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The Illinois legislature's efforts to secure a $5 billion stadium for the Chicago Bears have come to an end as the House of Representatives adjourned without voting on a crucial bill. Despite the Illinois Senate's approval of the funding structure at 4:40 am ET, the House did not take action before the midnight budget deadline. Bears officials stated they would continue evaluating potential sites in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Hammond, Indiana, where lawmakers are proposing a new domed stadium. Governor J.B. Pritzker's office indicated a commitment to keeping the Bears in Illinois but emphasized the need for a thorough review of the proposed funding bill. Discussions regarding the stadium will continue over the summer, according to Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch. The Bears, who have called Soldier Field home since 1971, are under pressure to finalize their stadium decision by late spring or early summer.
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The failure to secure funding for a new stadium may affect local economic development and job creation in the area.
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