The Chicago Bears are taking significant steps toward relocating their home stadium to Hammond, Indiana. On Thursday, the Bears’ Board of Directors voted to advance the development of a new stadium in this northern Indiana city, signaling a potential departure from their long-time home in Chicago.
Economic Opportunities for Northwest Indiana
In a statement released Friday, Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren expressed their belief that a world-class stadium in Hammond would transform the region. They emphasized the potential for the project to connect Northwest Indiana with the South Side of Chicago, fostering new opportunities for residents and businesses across the area.
While the exact site for the stadium has not been finalized, the Bears are considering a location near Wolf Lake. The team’s lease at Soldier Field in Chicago runs through 2033, but they have the option to pay a fee to terminate the lease early.
Indiana’s Enthusiastic Response
Indiana Governor Mike Braun responded positively to the news, highlighting the potential economic benefits for the state. He likened the prospective partnership to the strength of the ’85 Bears defense, suggesting that the presence of an NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana could provide an unprecedented economic boost to the region.
Governor Braun stated, “We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the ’85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come.”
Challenges in Illinois
The Bears’ decision comes after the Illinois Senate passed a bill that would have facilitated the creation of local stadium authorities in Arlington Heights and Chicago, potentially allowing the Bears to avoid property taxes on a new stadium in Illinois. However, the Illinois House adjourned without addressing the measure, leaving the Bears to explore other options.
Previously, the Bears sought $855 million in public funding for infrastructure to build a stadium in Arlington Heights, which could host major events like Final Fours and Super Bowls. They also hoped for a legislative freeze on property taxes for large-scale construction projects, but these efforts did not materialize.
The Bears have a rich history in Illinois, having played there since their founding in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys. Since moving to Chicago in 1921, the team has never owned its stadium, playing at Wrigley Field until 1970 and Soldier Field since then.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
