The Chicago Bears have decided to pursue building their new stadium in Northwest Indiana following the failure of Illinois lawmakers to approve financial incentives that would have kept the NFL franchise in their home state.
On Thursday, the team’s board of directors approved moving ahead with a stadium development in Hammond, Indiana. While the Bears have been evaluating property near Wolf Lake, they clarified Friday that no specific site has been chosen yet.
In a joint statement from Chairman George McCaskey and team president Kevin Warren, the organization said: “We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest 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 Gov. Mike Braun expressed enthusiasm about the Bears’ decision. Earlier this year, an Indiana House committee approved legislation creating a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority with powers to finance, build and lease a stadium facility.
“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,” Braun stated. “An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before.”
The Bears represent one of the NFL’s original franchises, having operated in Illinois since their 1920 establishment as the Decatur Staleys. The team relocated to Chicago the following year and played at Wrigley Field before moving to their current home at Soldier Field in September 1971.
While the Bears’ current lease extends through 2033, the team has the option to terminate early by paying a penalty fee. Soldier Field sits approximately 40 miles south of the team’s Lake Forest, Illinois headquarters at Halas Hall, while Hammond would be roughly 20 miles south of their current lakefront venue.
Matt Hill, speaking for Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, indicated the governor “remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers.”
“The Bears have built a storied legacy in Illinois for over 100 years but have spent the last six years, and especially the last few months, shifting their position on a stadium location,” Hill commented. “That has hindered their progress. Today appears to be another instance of that after Illinois leaders have been working with the Bears in good faith.”
