The Bears are where we thought they were \u2014 still deciding between Indiana and Illinois as the location of a new stadium.<\/p>\n
Now that the Illinois legislature has blown the window on passing a bill that would help finance a new facility in Arlington Heights, the only viable option (based on what the Bears have previously said) is Hammond, Indiana.<\/p>\n
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott believes the Bears will make a decision by the end of June. He also believes the Bears will pick a move across the border.<\/p>\n
\u201cIndiana did what they were asked to do. Illinois couldn\u2019t do what they were asked to do. So I\u2019m confident the Bears are going to choose Hammond<\/a>,\u201d McDermott said, via Dan Carden of the Northwest Indiana Times.<\/p>\n Why is McDermott so confident?<\/p>\n \u201cI think we have a great offer on the table,\u201d McDermott said. \u201cWe\u2019re going to offer a superior fan experience. It\u2019s going to be an awesome stadium in an awesome location. But the Bears have to huddle and make the determination now whether or not they\u2019re going to make the move to Indiana. In 30 days, we should have an answer.\u201d<\/p>\n If an answer is coming in 30 days, Hammond is the clear favorite \u2014 unless the Bears have decided to build a stadium in Arlington Heights without any direct or indirect tax benefits or incentives.<\/p>\n