The Chicago area is set to come to a standstill on Saturday night as the much-anticipated Bears-Packers playoff game takes center stage. Among those deeply invested are towns hoping to become the Bears’ new home in the future.
Despite the Chicago Bears’ aspirations to construct a new stadium, Illinois lawmakers have been less than accommodating. This has prompted the team to explore opportunities beyond state lines, notably garnering interest from Indiana, with the state’s governor showing enthusiasm for the idea.
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In a recent interview with ABC affiliate WPTA in Fort Wayne, Indiana Governor Mike Braun confirmed that his administration has been in talks with the Bears about the possibility of relocating to Indiana. “Illinois has not been receptive, both at the state government level and within Chicago,” Braun explained. “They are actively considering other options. Given the recent momentum, we are committed to doing everything possible to make this happen.”
Hammond, Indiana, home to one of the largest athletic venues in the Chicago area, the Sportsplex, is embracing the Bears fervor. The venue’s bar is set to host one of the region’s most significant watch parties for Saturday night’s playoff showdown.
“The Bears hold sway over Northwest Indiana,” remarked Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott. “This area is undeniably Bears territory. Like many of my neighbors, I am thrilled about the playoffs.”
“The Bears dominate Northwest Indiana,” Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott said. “This is a Bears town, a Bears region. I’m excited about the playoffs, just like many of my neighbors.”
Hammond’s Byway brewing company is even offering free wings to Bears fans if Coach Ben Johnson mentions Indiana Bears fans in his postgame speech to the team.
“Northwest Indiana bears fans are as dedicated and die hard as any Illinois fan,” said Phil Taillon with the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. “We have been rooting for the Bears since we were born.”
And many are also rooting for the Bears to build their new stadium in town. They say the Northwest Indiana city of 80,000 just over the state line has a number of areas including near Wolf Lake that would make an ideal location for a new Bears stadium.
“We’d be very excited to have the Bears in the city,” Sportsplex general manager Kym Roberts said. “It would be tremendous.”
The Bears have expanded their search for a new home to Northwest Indiana since Illinois lawmakers have apparently put stadium infrastructure funding on hold. That leaves Arlington Heights, which was the Bears first choice, also on hold. But they will still be watching Saturday and hope to be celebrating after the game.
“The Bears have put together a great team and hopefully our state lawmakers will see that and do what they need to do to keep the Bears here,” said Jon Ridler with the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce.
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Indiana Bears fans say the Bears stadium decision is still down the road, but the game is this weekend.
“I think everybody’s expectations are really high,” Hammond Bears fan Tinissa Greenwell said. “We’re expecting a great game.”
People in Hammond say they are Bears fans win or lose, and whether the Bears build their stadium there or not, they’re still hoping to send the Packers home packing for a long off-season.
Meanwhile in Chicago on Tuesday, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch called the Bears an “iconic” franchise, dismissed the idea of state funding for a new stadium.
“We’re trying to bring down the cost of living, and talking about a brand new Bears stadium when this one’s not even 25 years old that’s insensitive to what real people are going through right now,” Welch said.
The Bears recently said the team is looking at a possible move to Indiana in its quest for a new stadium due to funding issues.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has said private business development shouldn’t come at the expense of taxpayers.
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