The Bears have looked into a potential relocation to northwest Indiana as they weigh their new stadium options. A move across the border appears to remain a distinct possibility. 
On Thursday, an amendment to Senate Bill 27 received unanimous approval in the state during a Ways and Means committee hearing in Indiana. As noted by All CHGO’s Adam Hoge, only a direct agreement between governor Mike Braun and the Bears themselves seems to be in the way of a final step regarding relocation. It was confirmed today the Bears are still willing to commit $2 billion to the construction of a new stadium in Indiana, as they have been for a potential move to Arlington Heights in Illinois.
“We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal,” a statement from Braun reads in part. “If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly.”
An Illinois House Finance and Revenue committee hearing was scheduled to take place today, but it was canceled. Hoge reports the megaprojects bill which could have granted the Bears “tax certainty” regarding the Arlington Heights project was on the agenda but was not set to be voted on. The Bears still own a plot in Arlington Heights at this time.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,” a Bears statement reads in part. “We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana… We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together.”
Hammond falls within a 75-mile radius of downtown Chicago. As such, the Bears already own marketing rights there in line with NFL rules for all of its teams. As noted by the Indy Star’s Joel A. Erickson, the Colts’ stance on this matter has not changed since a Bears relocation to Indiana became possible. The Colts simply “wish the Bears all the best on their stadium initiative.”
Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated reports a move across the Illinois-Indiana border “feels like an inevitability” at this point. Nothing has been finalized, but this is certainly a situation to watch closely. Interestingly, a move to Hammond would see the Bears play in the same location where George Halas spent time as a player in 1919 (h/t Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times). The manner in which Illinois responds to today’s developments will likely play a key role in determining the Bears’ post-Soldier Field future.
And if this is allowed to happen Pritzger and every politician in Illinois wouldn’t get elected even as a dog catcher in Illinois ever again. It would be political suicide.
I don’t believe that this is anything other than a negotiating tactic by Warren (especially given his statement about a world class stadium-seems very pointed towards Chicago/Illinois). However, the thought of the Bears moving, of all teams, is totally insane to even consider.
Certain teams, through their histories, have been fundamentally tied to certain places. The Bears (and their arch rivals in Green Bay) are so fundamentally linked to those cities that’s incredible to see them elsewhere…let alone a whole ‘nother state. The Bears are probably the number one team that comes to mind when you consider teams that embody their cities and his tied they are to them.
That’s a little dramatic. Hammond isn’t far from Chicago. It might actually be easier for suburban fans to get to Hammond than it was to downtown Chicago.
They’d still be called “Chicago Bears.” It’t be like the Jets/Giants playing in NJ.
Hammond is closer to Chicago than Arlington Park.
If only team owners had to face reelection from the fans.
hence why they’re called owners
Yes they will as no one votes based on this stuff. It’s all emotion and pre determined ideas
Yes Indiana definitely needs two teams. Hope Illinois says see ya good luck in crapville.
Hammond is within easy commuting distance of Chicago. It’s like Jets/Giants playing in NJ.
Kevin Warren is a failure.
Illinois is such a political and social mess why wouldn’t the Bears move? Likely it will cost the Bears and the Indiana state government less money to build a new stadium than doing it in Illinois.
However, a pox on both Illinois and Indiana (and Ohio with the Browns, and Missouri with the Chiefs) for burning tax money so rich people can get football palaces. I hope the Bears and Chiefs never get back to the Super Bowl, and since the Browns are such a mess I know they will never get to one for doing this.
I also hope none of these cold weather places ever get to host a Super Bowl, no matter how nice the stadiums are.
Why are you so against the cold weather stadiums getting to host a Super Bowl? As long as they’re domed/have a roof I don’t see the problem
The Bears are not asking for public money to build there stadium. They’re only asking for public money for infrastructure and some property tax relief. They’ve already said they will fund the entire $2 billion in stadium costs.
Ah, the good old PFR offseason relocation article!
GARY BEARS
Moving the Bears out of Chicago would be such a mistake
That already seems to be a done deal. It’s between Arlington Heights and Hammond, both of which are about 30 miles from Chicago.
I’m all for fiscal responsibility but the truth is the Democrats running Illinois could easily find enough money to pay what the Bears are asking just by getting rid of the many completely unnecessary committees and positions that only exist for political reasons or so they can hire their friends. They are notoriously corrupt over spenders.
But they’ll never be held accountable for it because people just think to themselves “Well at least they’re not Republican!”
Ruining, not running…
For the same reasons the Jets and Giants are in New Jersey…to build in Chicago the costs would double not to mention the kick backs and DEI contractor delays. The Chicago deal is dead and somewhere along the line Goodell and the NFL are going to have to step in and get the Arlington Heights deal done because a Indiana location is bad for the NFL image.
The Ghost of Buddy Ryan is not happy!!!
DA Bears are finally becoming good again and an exciting team…..and they are pulling this Cowboy Bull Schiste?
SMH