The Chicago Bears’ dream project of a dome stadium is drawn into more uncertainty as the Illinois Senator has plans to keep the franchise in the state.

As reported by Mary Ann of NBC Chicago, Illinois State Senator Bill Cunningham suggested a new site near the Old Steel South Works property of 470 acres.

“I think that's an intriguing idea. I think it would be wise for both the Bears and the city of Chicago to explore,” the senator said. “It is a gigantic piece of property. We've already seen the establishment of the quantum computing campus there…”

The new proposed site by Senator Cunningham is at 85th Lakeshore Drive, near Quantum Park Development on the Old Steel South Works property.

It comes as the fourth site for the new Bears stadium, following Arlington Heights, Hammond, Indiana, and McCook.

According to the senator, it is a viable option for both the Bears and the City.

“They built the new stadium across the street from the old stadium, so they did not change jurisdictions,” he said. “What the Bears are trying to do is pretty unusual, and it is very difficult to pull off politically because you naturally put municipality against municipality.”

Senator Cunningham has denied a special session for passing the legislature on the proposal of a new stadium, as he believes the Bears are not doing right by changing the municipality, citing the example of the Buffalo Bills.

Cunningham believes the proposed site strengthens the Bears' case because of its proximity to the Illinois Quantum & Microelectronics Park, where major economic development is already underway.

Cunningham's proposal isn't the only option that has surfaced to keep the Bears in Illinois.

Another stadium site option for the Chicago Bears

Previously, the mayor of McCook, Terry Carr, had proposed 150 acres of land for the new dome-shaped stadium for the Chicago Bears, per Se Kwon of Fox 32.

The land is located near the 55th Street of East Avenue, close to interstates 55 and 294. Carr suggested the land as it will keep the franchise in the state of Illinois.

The site was solving the property taxes situation, as the proposed site is located near a village, and the stadium would be owned by the village.

The franchise could take the stadium on a lease for $1/year.

But there is still no confirmation around the site, and the dream of the franchise is far from becoming a reality.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker