(INDIANAPOLIS) - Governor Mike Braun says negotiations to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana have reached what he calls the "red zone," but he cautions that no deal is final until agreements are signed.
Speaking to NewsNation after the Bears announced they would advance a stadium development project in Hammond, Braun said the process is at its most significant point so far and has reduced much of the uncertainty surrounding the proposal.
The plan calls for a domed stadium in Hammond near the Illinois border. Indiana's proposal includes $1 billion generated through new and expanded Lake County hospitality taxes to complement a reported $2 billion investment from the Bears.
State Representative Earl Harris Jr. of East Chicago said the Bears' recent statement suggests the team is moving toward Northwest Indiana, while State Senator Rodney Pol of Gary said Indiana's offer already represents a strong proposal and he does not expect additional state concessions.
According to the NewsNation report, some observers have speculated the Bears could seek assistance covering costs associated with ending their lease at Soldier Field before it expires in 2033. Harris said lawmakers do not anticipate making changes to the state's proposal.
Illinois lawmakers continue discussing options to keep the Bears in their home state, including possible incentives tied to a stadium project in Arlington Heights. However, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned without approving a stadium-related proposal before ending its regular session.
Harris said engineers representing the Bears have conducted site inspections in Hammond's Wolf Lake area, which is expected to be the location of the proposed stadium.
Supporters of the project say a new stadium could spur hotel, hospitality, entertainment and other development throughout Northwest Indiana. A recent Cook County Treasurer study cited in the report found a Hammond stadium could also generate economic benefits for nearby areas of Chicago