Indiana stadium bill takes another step forward; Bears leadership in Indy for NFL Combine
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Bears are scouting young talent down in Indianapolis.
It comes as the team is debating a move out of Illinois.
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General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson are avoiding stadium chatter, but say tough roster cuts are ahead, even after an amazing season.
The NFL Combine gives coaches the first look at top college talent.
The Bears are coming off a hot 11-6 record, making their first postseason playoff appearance in years.
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"This is one of the closest-knit groups that I have ever been a part of, last year's team," Johnson said. "That is hard to generate. I wish there was some magic stick you could float on out there to make that happen."
"You win. Bonds and relationships get deeper and knowing that right now, sit over the cap. We have to make decisions, if that's cuts, if that's trades," Poles said. "There's real relationships. So people that gave it up for the Chicago Bears to advance ... and they may not be able to stay. That sucks to be honest with you."
While Tuesday's focus was on the players, the team also has an important decision to make on a site for a potential new stadium.
Indiana continues to try to lure the Bears.
Indiana lawmakers took another step forward in pushing legislation that would set up the financial framework for a potential new stadium.
Indiana officials have focused in on 300 acres in Hammond in the Wolf Lake area.
It's mostly vacant right now.
Part of their proposal would come from issuing a bond that would be repaid through Hammond's 12 percent admissions tax.
Indiana also asked Lake and Porter counties to adopt a 1 percent food and beverage tax and for Lake County to pass a 5 percent innkeeper's tax.
"The bottom line: These projects will be paid for by those benefitting from this investment, those who visit, stay in hotels, eat, shop at area establishments and attend these events," Republican House Speaker Rep. Todd Huston said.
The next step is final consideration by the Indiana House.
They've showed overwhelming bipartisan support for luring the Bears east.
They voted 95-to-4 in favor of creating a northwest Indiana sports authority.
"This (is) kind of a once-in-a-lifetime, once-in-a-generation project. It's so huge; it's gonna benefit so many. We're looking forward to when in comes to fruition," said Rep. Earl Harris, a Democrat representing the 2nd District.
Indiana lawmakers say they are feeling more and more positive about the possibility of the Bears coming every day.
"The excitement around northwest Indiana is at an all time high. Every time we check another box, everybody gets a little more excited about this opportunity," said Phil Taillon, with the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority.
Meanwhile in Illinois, officials are trying to convince the Bears to stay.
Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would give the Bears a long-term property tax break for construction of a stadium in Arlington Heights.
The "Mega Project Bill" will go before the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee on Thursday.
"Here in Illinois, we continue to have really positive discussions with the Bears. And I think you'll see the progress over time here," Gov. JB Pritzker said.
The Bears get the 25th pick in the draft coming up in April in Pittsburgh and have more than a dozen expiring contracts for more than two dozen free agents.
