(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he does not get to choose where the Chicago Bears will have a new stadium.
The governor spoke in Chicago on Thursday and said state officials have had lots of conversations with the National Football League.
“The legislation that is being discussed now would give the option for the possibility that there would be a stadium built in the city or in Arlington Heights, and that’s a decision that the Bears get to make. They are a private company,” Pritzker said.
Pritzker was asked if there were any new potential stadium sites in the city.
“I don’t get to pick the site. We already know, I think, what the site would be in Arlington Heights because the Bears already own a site there,” the governor said.
The team bought 326 acres at the former Arlington Park thoroughbred racing course for nearly $200 million in 2023.
The Bears currently play at Soldier Field in Chicago, where their current lease expires in 2033.
“People in the city, developers, the mayor or others have ideas about where it could be, and they are having conversations with the Bears. In the end, this is up to the Bears,” Pritzker said.
The governor echoed state Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, who said on Tuesday the Bears “can pick what they want” in stadium legislation.
Buckner sponsored a megaprojects bill last spring that passed the Illinois House but did not advance in the Senate.
“Obviously, I’m in Chicago and I’ve always said I wanted them in the city. But about choosing between Arlington Heights and Indiana, I think it’s very obvious that Arlington Heights is the way to go here,” Buckner said.
Buckner said state officials have discussed “a bunch of different options” with the Bears.
Earlier this month, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said his administration would remain in conversation with all stakeholders.
Jon Styf contributed to this story
