During an appearance in Peoria, Ill. this week, Gov. JB Pritzker was asked if the state would help pay for the team’s development plans in Arlington Heights. This is a common practice as organizations and local governments work together on new stadiums because of the mutual benefits of such a project.
However, Pritzker shut down that possibility when he said, “I am of the opinion that it’s not our obligation as the state to step in and provide major funding, and I certainly don’t want to burden taxpayers with major support for a private business."
The news is a big hit to the team's stadium plans after Sen. Ann Gillespie filed a bill recently that would allow up to 40 years worth of tax breaks to major organizations like the Bears in Arlington Heights.
Next year, legendary stadium Soldier Field will turn 100 years old. While it is one of the oldest active sports venues in the country, it does not have the same historic value and charm as classics like Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. That is why there have long been talks of the Bears looking to finally construct a new arena for Illinois’ most popular football team.
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