The Chicago Bears are exploring other potential new stadium site options, including Northwest Indiana, prompting rapid responses from political leaders.
According to an open letter penned by President and CEO Kevin Warren, the Bears are looking to expand their search for a new stadium site to include Northwest Indiana, with Warren arguing the team has been told their project is “not a priority” in Springfield next year.
“We asked only for a commitment to essential local infrastructure (roads, utilities, and site improvements) which is more than typical for projects of this size,” Warren said in the letter. “Additionally, we sought reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing. We listened to state leadership and relied on their direction and guidance, yet our efforts have been met with no legislative partnership.”
Needless to say, the response to the pivot was rapid and at times heated, with a spokesperson for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker calling the move “a startling slap in the face” to the team’s fans.
“Suggesting the Bears would move to Indiana is a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season,” a statement read. “The Governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago. He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the Governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers.”
Arlington Heights officials also issued a statement on the news.
“Both the Village and the Chicago Bears remain confident that their Arlington Park property in Arlington Heights is the best option for their new stadium and entertainment district,” a statement read. “However, we understand their need to explore any and all viable locations as part of their due diligence process. Due to restrictive legislation in Illinois, this exploration now includes moving to Indiana.”
Officials in the suburb said they remain positive that a “megaproject bill” is necessary to make the development in the village happen.
“We encourage our Illinois State legislators to move forward with the Megaproject bill,” said Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia in the statement. “This legislation will help to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois, within the limits of Cook County, and ultimately – in Arlington Heights.”
The bill the Bears are seeking is known as a “payment in lieu of taxes” or PILOT, bill. The bill would allow for companies like the Bears to freeze property tax breaks obtained to help facilitate large-scale developments. The Bears would then be permitted to negotiate an annual payment with Arlington Heights officials in lieu of a standard property tax assessment and payment.
According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the Bears would also pursue a separate program that would allow them to tap into the expanded sales tax revenue the project in Arlington Heights would generate.
When asked about the possibility of passing such a bill, Pritzker said that his administration is “still considering” the legislation.
“It’s something we’re still considering,” he said during an event at Advocate Health Care. “We’re going to evaluate what the costs are for the people of Illinois to do this, the benefits that come from attracting businesses as a result of providing that ability to use those tax dollars.”
Warren has said the team would be unable to move forward with a stadium project without a PILOT bill in place.
The governor also maintained his opposition to providing additional taxpayer funding for the project, saying the Bears needed to continue investing private money into the massive proposed construction project. He did say however that the state would be willing to negotiate on potential infrastructure costs.
“I do not think that the taxpayers of the state of Illinois should be propping up what now is an eight and a half billion dollar valued business. They seem to be doing okay for themselves,” he said. “And I just don’t think, you know, obviously all of us, we build roads for everybody no matter who you are. You know, we support business coming to or staying in the state of Illinois.”
While the idea of building a stadium site in northwest Indiana may seem out of left field, there have been rumblings about the state trying to attract professional sports franchises.
House Bill 1292, which passed by large margins in the Indiana legislature, created the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission, aiming to “attract professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana,” according to the text of the bill.
“Northwest Indiana has a unique opportunity for economic development,” Indiana State Rep. Earl Harris said in a statement. “Capitalizing on The Region’s proximity to Chicago by bringing professional sports teams here makes sense for all parties involved. This is a chance to bring great investments and jobs to our community, and we know that The Region offers a great base of operation and amazing fans for any sports franchise looking for a home.”
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