NFL commissioner meets Illinois lawmakers amid Bears stadium site debate
Commissioner Roger Goodell said he recently met with Illinois legislators as the Chicago Bears consider stadium options in Indiana and Arlington Heights, Illinois, but gave no timeline for a decision.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed a recent meeting with selected Illinois lawmakers to discuss the Chicago Bears' stadium plans. The Bears are weighing two locations: a proposed site in Hammond, Indiana, and land they own in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Goodell said there is no specific timetable, noting that both states are "looking at the alternate groups, Indiana or Arlington Heights" and that each should have an opportunity to present its proposal.
He described his involvement as routine, stating, "I’m involved in a lot of stadium efforts. It’s not unusual for me to be involved in conversations with either public officials or others. Or our staff. There are important decisions, not just for the communities but for teams and the NFL. So these are important things for us."
Bears chairman George McCaskey and team president Kevin Warren have publicly emphasized a focus on moving the franchise to Northwest Indiana, though no construction has begun. An Illinois bill that could provide incentives for a stadium in Arlington Heights has not yet been scheduled for a floor vote, leaving the final location unresolved.