Story perspectives

Pritzker Mulls Session if Lawmakers Back $5B Bears Stadium Plan

6/11/2026

Summary

Pritzker Considers Stadium

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would consider a session if lawmakers approve a stadium plan to keep Chicago Bears in Illinois.
He said Illinois taxpayers would not face sales taxes or tolls, and Indiana’s plan would fund about 60% of the $5 billion cost.
He criticized the Bears for not finalizing a site, noting the Hammond, Indiana location contains toxic waste and proposing a 20-year negotiation framework used in 38 states.

Summary

McDermott Pushes Stadium

Mayor Tom McDermott said the 300-acre stadium with 60-110-acre arena will use eminent domain without displacing homes.
Indiana’s Stadium Authority (created by Senate Bill 27) can issue bonds, with the state funding up to $1 billion and the Bears pledging $2 billion.
Hammond is evaluating three Wolf Lake-adjacent sites and expects to name the location within weeks.
South Shore Convention & Visitor Authority chief Phil Taillon said two other pro-sports franchises are eyeing Northwest Indiana for its pro-business climate.

Summary

Bears Seek Approval

The Bears must obtain NFL approval before moving their stadium to a new site.
The team can end its Soldier Field lease early by paying a fee, even though the lease runs until 2033.
Rep. Dan Ugaste said the Bears expect to pick a final stadium location by late spring or early summer.
Ugaste’s PILOT proposal would bar megaprojects with residential development to protect school-district tax burdens.

History

Historical Context

After Indianapolis built the $77.5 million Hoosier Dome in 1982 and lured the Baltimore Colts with a $12.5 million loan in 1984, the city embraced a stadium-driven growth model that funded Lucas Oil Stadium’s $720 million construction in 2008. Today, Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Tom McDermott are proposing a $5 billion Bears arena, echoing that earlier public-private partnership.

1 of 4

Pritzker Considers Stadium

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would consider a session if lawmakers approve a stadium plan to keep Chicago Bears in Illinois.
He said Illinois taxpayers would not face sales taxes or tolls, and Indiana’s plan would fund about 60% of the $5 billion cost.
He criticized the Bears for not finalizing a site, noting the Hammond, Indiana location contains toxic waste and proposing a 20-year negotiation framework used in 38 states.

1 / 4