The Bears can finally let go of the Hammond facade.
After months of pretending that they are only focused on the construction of a new stadium in Indiana, the bluff worked. Via Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Businessthe Bears are “close to a deal that would keep them in Illinois.”
A vote in the Illinois Legislature could happen as soon as November.
The new location would “most likely” be built in Arlington Heights, not Chicago. But Illinois is Illinois. And it’s not Indiana.
The new law would allow any municipality (including Chicago) to form an authority that would own and operate the stadium, without any property taxes being paid. Taxpayers would only be responsible for new roads and other infrastructure.
Hinz also reports that recent progress has been fueled by the involvement of Bears minority owner Pat Ryan. Commissioner Roger Goodell also got involved, along with majority owner George McCaskey and Chairman and CEO Kevin Warren – who said in August that Hammond, Indiana, was the “only goal» – take a back seat.
It’s still not done, but it’s the biggest indication that the Bears won’t be leaving Illinois. Even after repeatedly saying they would.
Gn sports
