Illinois Bears Deal Aims for Midterm Vote as Indiana Officials Dismiss Progress

The Chicago Bears are moving closer to a deal that would keep their new stadium in Illinois, according to a report from Crain’s Chicago Business. The outlet stated on Thursday that confidence is growing that a vote in the Illinois General Assembly following the midterm elections could finalize the pact. This development comes as the team continues to weigh options between the two states for a new home.

The proposed agreement would allow municipalities in Illinois, specifically Arlington Heights, to establish a stadium district. This structure would permit the Bears to build on public land without owing property taxes. Eliminating the property tax obligation has been a major point of contention that previously prevented the team from reaching a deal to stay in the state. The plan also keeps the option open for Chicago to make its own bid for the stadium.

Keeping the door open for Chicago is expected to secure votes from city-based lawmakers. Some of those officials previously hesitated to support a deal that only facilitated construction in suburban Arlington Heights. The Bears currently own the site of the former Arlington International Racecourse in that municipality.

Officials in Indiana, however, remain skeptical of the Illinois progress. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. dismissed the idea that the team would pivot back to the state. "The only focus right now is Hammond Indiana, that’s it," McDermott said. "They’re not looking at Arlington Heights, I just read another one about Bridgeport. Get out of here. Bridgeport has the same problems, you can’t afford them Illinois!"

The Bears have repeatedly stated that they are primarily focused on Indiana. Despite this, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell have held numerous meetings with public officials to discuss keeping the team in Illinois. The team has not yet made a final decision on the location.

In Whiting, Indiana, residents feel confident about the team’s decision. Luis Aguilar, a local resident, compared the Illinois efforts to a difficult breakup. "We expected for them to fight to keep them like it’s a bad breakup," Aguilar said at the Mustache Lounge on Thursday evening. In Arlington Heights, fans are growing more optimistic. One fan posted on social media, "Alright Bears fans, it looks like the bluff to move to Indiana actually worked."

The final decision hinges on whether Illinois lawmakers will approve the deal during the fall veto session, which begins in mid-November. Unlike the spring session where a simple majority suffices, the veto session requires supermajorities to pass legislation. Democrats must still gather enough votes to pass a measure aimed at retaining the Bears in the state.