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sports9h ago
What's next for the Bears after their stadium bill stalls in Springfield
- The Illinois Senate advanced a stadium-financing bill but the House did not vote, delaying a path to tax relief for a Bears stadium.
- Gov. J.B. Pritzker reiterated that taxpayer money would not be given to a billionaire-owned project, framing the deal as a public-interest decision.
- The Bears are weighing Hammond, Indiana, as a serious option if Illinois incentives remain unavailable, with Hammond officials signaling readiness.
- Bears executives had already assigned consultants, attorneys, utilities specialists, and environmental lawyers to Hammond for due diligence.
- Bears board members, including George McCaskey and Kevin Warren, would approve any major decision after a formal review this month.
- Indiana cities pitched sites, with Hammond presenting a compelling, taxpayer-friendly push that could outcompete Illinois options.
- Experts say the Bears’ best path may be to sign a lease quickly and announce a move to Hammond if Illinois incentives fall short.
- The Bears face a five-year odyssey since they bid on Arlington International Racecourse and hired leadership changes to guide their stadium plan.
- The legislative setback reflects broader debate over public subsidies for large sports venues in Illinois.
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