Sports
Gov. JB Pritzker Meets With NFL Commissioner, Illinois Leaders About Chicago Bears Stadium
Gov. JB Pritzker is pictured alongside Soldier Field in Chicago. (Jerry Nowicki / Capitol News Illinois, iStock)
Gov. JB Pritzker met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and businessman Pat Ryan, who owns a stake in the Chicago Bears, on Thursday in what the governor’s office described as a “productive meeting” focused on keeping the team in Illinois.
The meeting is the latest in the ongoing saga of the Chicago Bears’ quest to build a new home stadium. This past summer, the team said it was focused on its plans to build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, amid Illinois state officials continuing to vie to keep the Bears in the state.
The meeting, which took place in Illinois, also included House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, state Rep. Kam Buckner and state Sen. Bill Cunningham, according to the governor’s office. Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren was not among the listed attendees.
“The Governor and General Assembly leadership were glad to participate in a productive meeting focused on keeping the Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers,” according to the statement from the governor’s office.
An NFL spokesperson said in a statement: “The NFL appreciated the opportunity to meet with Governor Pritzker and legislative leaders today. Timely action is essential as the Bears work to find a long-term stadium solution for the club and their fans.”
The governor’s office says it has remained in conversation with the Bears on its plans throughout the summer.
A spokesperson for the Bears did not immediately return a request for comment.
Warren said in August that the team remained focused solely on potential sites in Hammond, Indiana, as they continued working to finalize plans for a new domed stadium and entertainment district.
“Our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana,” Warren said during a media briefing in August.
Illinois state legislators adjourned their spring session without a bill that would’ve financially incentivized the team to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Many state officials have maintained there are still signs the team is interested in continuing conversations with their current home state.
The Bears for years had been focused on building a new stadium in suburban Arlington Heights before pivoting to Hammond earlier this year when the Illinois state legislation fell through.
The Bears have hosted home games at Soldier Field, which is owned by the Chicago Park District, since 1971.
Matt Masterson contributed to this report.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
