As Illinois legislators recently failed to reach an agreement on legislation intended to provide the Bears with property tax certainty on a new stadium, leaders from across the state’s eastern border have continued efforts to lure the NFL franchise.
As Illinois legislators recently failed to reach an agreement on legislation intended to provide the Bears with property tax certainty on a new stadium, leaders from across the state’s eastern border have continued efforts to lure the NFL franchise. Following the May 31st Illinois legislative deadline, Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott both criticized Illinois politicians and subsequently offered their support for a Northwest Indiana stadium. In addition to rhetoric, Indiana’s state government has also cemented legislative deals that would make a potential Bears move much easier and more financially feasible.
Braun, McDermott Respond to Illinois Failures
Given the current lack of action and clarity in the Bears’ home state, Indiana Governor Braun has continued to highlight differences in the business climate between Illinois and Indiana. After noting that the Bears have sought government action in Illinois for “five to six years,” Braun added that his state was able to pass legislation despite being prompted only “six months ago.” Braun further commented that the Bears have heard “[c]rickets…[n]othing” from “their governor, their legislature, and of course, the City of Chicago,” and explained that his state has instead “move[d] at the speed of business.”
Echoing Governor Braun, Hammond Mayor McDermott argued that the Bears are “sick of the circus” that has defined negotiations in Illinois. McDermott cited the “nostalgia factor” as the lone rationale for keeping the Bears in Illinois, before arguing that the team’s patience is “wearing thin” following several years of fruitless discussion. In a Wednesday radio interview with Chicago’s 104.3 The Score, McDermott emphasized that his city is “ready” for “construction this summer.”
What’s Next
These comments from Braun and McDermott come as it was reported that the Indiana politicians have remained in constant communication with the Bears. Notably, top Bears brass—including Chairman George McCaskey, and President and CEO Kevin Warren—have visited the potential Hammond stadium site “a number of times” this year. In a Monday statement, the Bears confirmed that they will “finalize [their] evaluation” of the Hammond and Arlington Heights sites during the “late spring/early summer timeline.”
While Indiana has already passed legislation favorable to the Bears, it is possible, if not likely, that the state will provide additional public support to the franchise. According to Jay Wilkinson from the Northwest Indiana Sports Development Commission, the Hoosier State is likely to assist the Bears in buying out their remaining 7-year lease at Soldier Field. This price tag would likely sit around $90 million should the Bears ultimately choose to move to Hammond ahead of the 2033 Soldier Field lease termination date.
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