Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is posting a bill collection notice in front of the Chicago Bears’ plans to relocate to a new stadium.
WBBM reports the team’s announcement that it would leave its longtime home at Chicago’s historic Soldier Field for a new domed venue to be built in suburban Arlington Heights cannot proceed until the Bears pay off a longstanding debt – the $534 million that is still owed on the 2003 renovations at Soldier Field.
“We need the Bears to pay off what’s owed on the existing stadium,” said Pritzker. “That’s going to be a really important feature of whatever happens.”
Pritzker added that he would not approve any property tax break for a new stadium until the team completes its payment on the renovations from 12 years ago, stating that “if they want a … bill or some other help, we’re going to make that a pre-requisite.”
The Bears did not publicly comment on the governor’s comments, and Pritzker stated he has not talked to the team’s leadership in several weeks.
Photo courtesy Soldier Field
