Illinois is going to need a Caleb Williams-type fourth-quarter comeback to keep the Chicago Bears in the state.
On Thursday morning, Indiana Senate Bill 27, which establishes a stadium authority to negotiate and create a stadium for the Chicago Bears, passed out of committee with a 27-0 vote.
It’s important to note this is not a done deal, but it is a huge swing toward Indiana and the Wolf Lake area in Hammond as the site for the Bears’ new stadium.
At the same time, an Illinois committee hearing on
their Bears stadium bill set for 8 a.m. in Springfield was canceled.
This sets off a storm of reactions, but these events don’t set anything in stone yet.
The team issued a statement following Indiana’s move stating, “(w)e are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.”
Illinois isn’t out of it either; committee hearings and meetings are canceled all the time. It’s part of how government works.
However, the clock is ticking, and the speed and seriousness with which Indiana has moved to put forward a competitive offer, with a site, and attractive terms, has swung the pendulum their way and put pressure on Illinois to negotiate and get their deal done. It was reported as “close” just a week and a half ago.
Stay tuned.
Full team statement:
Indiana proposal terms:
