Northwest Indiana is now tentatively slated to be the future home of the Bears, as club leaders voted Thursday to advance a stadium development project in Hammond.
HAMMOND, Ind. (WFFT) – The Chicago Bears are one step closer to leaving the state of Illinois for the first time in the organization’s history.
Northwest Indiana is now tentatively slated to be the future home of the Bears, as club leaders voted Thursday to advance a stadium development project in Hammond.
The Bears released a statement from Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren.”
“We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwestern Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city. It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”
Indiana Governor Mike Braun celebrated the Friday announcement:
“Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state!
“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. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before.
“Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality.
“Welcome to Indiana!”
Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson posted his own reaction, clarifying that this announcement doesn’t confirm any official move.
“Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, today’s announcement is not surprising.
It’s also not surprising that Bears officials have stated this vote does not mean a move to Hammond is a done deal.
Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City of Chicago will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents.”
Indiana Senator Jim Banks shared a statement about the potential move to Indiana, saying “This is great news for The Region! This will be an economic boom for the state of Indiana and I look forward to cheering on the Bears in Hammond.”
The Chicago Bears have been entertaining the move to Northwest Indiana for the past several months amid negotiations with Arlington Heights.
Thursday’s vote does not lock the team into any particular plan, though.
The Board of Directors solely voted to advance their stadium development project in the city of Hammond, Indiana.
A specific site has not been confirmed, though.
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