Chicago Bears Arlington Heights Stadium Project

planned

Illinois lawmakers advanced a "megaprojects" bill out of the Illinois House that may provide tax breaks for big construction projects, potentially enticing the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. The Bears have owned the former Arlington race track site for over three years but have not started construction, awaiting a deal on property taxes. The Bears and NFL are willing to spend several billion dollars on the stadium, but need property tax certainty to secure financing. The bill includes amendments to protect taxpayers and direct 50% of pilot funds to property tax relief. The Bears are also considering moving to Indiana, where lawmakers have approved an incentive deal.