If enacted, the bill could provide the stability needed for private financing of the stadium, addressing one of the central hurdles in the redevelopment of the 326-acre former Arlington Park site, which the Bears acquired in 2023 for $197 million. Negotiations have stalled over property tax assessments and infrastructure funding, complicating the overall financial picture.
The Bears have pledged to privately finance the stadium itself while seeking public support for surrounding infrastructure such as roads and utilities. However, about $534 million in Soldier Field debt remains on the city’s books from a 2002–2003 renovation, adding to the fiscal considerations facing Illinois officials.
Governor J.B. Pritzker has expressed support for infrastructure assistance but opposes direct public funding for the stadium. Lawmakers and proponents, including former Illinois State Representative Tom Demmer, argue tax certainty is essential to making a private stadium investment viable.
Opposition voices, including State Representative Kam Buckner, emphasize guardrails to protect taxpayers and ensure any deal does not place Illinois residents at financial risk. The Legislature’s decision on HB 2789 could influence whether the Bears keep their focus in Illinois or reassess relocation possibilities, with Indiana reportedly weighing options as well.
With the February 19 hearing approaching, supporters say the measure could unlock private investment and accelerate redevelopment, while critics warn of potential taxpayer exposure. The outcome will shape the Bears’ timeline for the Arlington Heights project and the broader city-by-city dynamics of the team’s stadium ambitions.
