Illinois appeals court rules against Chicago Bears on tax, says team owes county $4.1 million

CHICAGO – An Illinois appeals court says the Chicago Bears owe $4.1 million to Cook County in amusement taxes, plus interest.

A three-judge panel at the 1st District Appellate Court posted its ruling Thursday on the dispute. Cook County has been seeking the tax payment from the Bears since 2007.

Bears lawyers argued the 3 percent amusement tax should only apply to admission-related fees and not to premium-seat extras, such as the cost of food, drinks and parking. In its 2-1 decision, the judicial panel disagreed. And it ruled the Bears should have paid taxes on the full, face-value of the tickets.