Bears expand search for new stadium site from Arlington Heights to broader Chicago area, northwest Indiana

Bears expand search for new stadium site from Arlington Heights to broader Chicago area, northwest Indiana
Bears expand search for new stadium site from Arlington Heights to broader Chicago area, northwest Indiana

The Chicago Bears are expanding their search for a new stadium from Arlington Heights to the broader Chicago area, including northwest Indiana, team president Kevin Warren said in an open letter Wednesday.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

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Warren cited a lack of cooperation with Illinois lawmakers in working out the infrastructure surrounding plans for her stadium in Arlington Heights.

Warren said his proposed plan to build a stadium in Arlington Heights would not require taxpayer dollars for the stadium itself.

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The Bears said in a letter to lawmakers in October that they would set aside $25 million for Chicago and the Chicago Park District amid the move of their stadium to Arlington Heights.

The funds could be used for maintenance of Soldier Field, support of park district programs, payment of any shortfall in Illinois Sports Facilities Authority bond payments or anything else, the letter said.

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SEE ALSO: Illinois, Arlington Heights leaders discuss funding construction of new Bears stadium

In October, state Rep. Kam Buckner called the offer not only “inappropriate” but also “disrespectful.”

“It reflects a longer pattern of tone-deafness on the part of this franchise when it comes to its relationship with the city that created it,” he said. “We’re talking about a franchise valued at almost $10 billion that offers Chicago plenty.”

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