The Chicago Bears took another step toward a potential move across state lines.
The Bears’ board of directors voted on June 4 to move forward with a potential stadium in Hammond, Indiana, at a site still to be determined, the team announced on June 5.
“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,” Bears chairman George H. McCaskey and team president and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement. “It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”
The move comes four days after the Bears said they remained on a “late spring/early summer timeline” for deciding between possible stadium sites in Hammond and Arlington Heights, Illinois, where the team has owned a 326-acre property since 2021.
On June 1, Illinois lawmakers adjourned for the spring session without taking up a measure passed by the state senate that would have allowed for the creation of local stadium authorities, which would have bolstered the outlook for a possible Arlington Heights site.
In May, Bears leadership made clear that the team would not remain in the city.
“The Chicago Bears have exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago, which was our initial goal,” the team said in a statement. “There is not a viable site in the city. As a result, the only sites under consideration are in Arlington Heights and Hammond.”
In February, Indiana lawmakers voted to establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to facilitate the funding and construction of a domed stadium.
Since then, officials have kept up the blitz to lure the franchise to the state.
“Indiana did what they were asked to do. Illinois couldn’t do what they were asked to do,” Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said on June 2. “So I’m confident the Bears are going to choose Hammond.”
Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia remained optimistic about keeping the Bears in Illinois even after the legislative setback, but acknowledged it might be difficult.
“Although we recognize that these discussions are complex and involve many stakeholders, this is clearly a fumble for the state of Illinois,” Tinaglia said in a statement. “My commitment to the residents and businesses of Arlington Heights is unwavering, and we will continue to represent the interests of our community as future opportunities and next steps are considered.”
Soldier Field has served as the Bears’ home since 1971.
“The club has kept the stadium committee and the League apprised of all developments,” a league spokesperson told USA TODAY Sports in a statement on June 5.
“The Chicago Bears chose Hammond, Indiana because they see what I have said for years: Hammond is a successful city of opportunity and possibility, an excellent choice for such a significant investment,” the Mayor of Hammond, Thomas McDermott Jr., said in a statement shortly after the Bears made the announcement June 5.”The city of Hammond and the entirety of Northwest Indiana will benefit from this transformative investment.I am proud to have partnered with our state leaders to secure this win; I’m grateful to Gov. Mike Braun, Speaker Todd Huston, Sen Ryan Mishler, and our local legislators who pushed this deal over the goal line!”
The Mayor of Chicago was not surprised by today’s announcement.
“Over the last several years, the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions; today’s announcement is not surprising,” the Office of the Mayor of Chicago said in a statement posted to social media June 5.
“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.”
While Northwest Indiana has its fair share of Bears fans, many fans of the team were upset on social media about the franchise moving to a city across that neighbors the state line, with one calling it a “complete failure on all fronts.” Former player Clay Harbor said the “state had every opportunity to find a compromise.”
Yes, with room for 61,500 fans per home game, Chicago’s stadium is the league’s smallest in terms of what it can accommodate for attendance at a home game. Arizona’s State Farm Stadium has the next-lowest capacity with 63,400 seats for Cardinals games but it can be expanded to 73,000 for bigger events, like the Super Bowl.
Contributing: Nate Davis
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