CHICAGO (WLS) — In a fresh development, the Chicago Bears have issued a new statement regarding the prospect of a new stadium while Indiana’s legislators progress with a bill aimed at relocating the team to Hammond.
The Bears expressed, “The advancement of SB 27 represents the most significant progression in our stadium planning endeavors so far. We are dedicated to completing the essential site-specific due diligence to fulfill our vision of establishing a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler, and the Indiana General Assembly members in crafting this vital framework and path forward to create a premier venue for Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and international visitors. We cherish our partnership and are eager to continue strengthening our working relationship.”
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On Thursday morning, legislators unanimously voted to advance a bill from the Ways and Means Committee.
The proposed bill seeks to establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, akin to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority.
This development might entice the Chicago Bears to move across state lines to construct a new stadium.
According to lawmakers, the Bears would contribute $2 billion towards the construction expenses.
The proposal includes new food, beverage, and innkeepers taxes in Indiana’s northwest counties to help pay for the stadium and infrastructure.
Among the people who spoke during Thursday’s hearing include Hammond’s Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr and the Indiana Speaker of the House Rep. Todd Huston.
“Hammond is ready to partner with the Chicago Bears, basically Hammond would do whatever it takes to help make this project a success,” Mayor McDermott Jr. said. “Hammond is uniquely positions for this moment, we are part of the Chicagoland region.”
“We’ve had excellent conversations with the Chicago Bears and we are forging a relationship that would be a foundation for a public/private partnership leaned on construction of a world class stadium,” Speaker Huston said.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun said in a statement, “”Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. The amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly.”
The news comes as an Illinois House committee that could have brought the Bears a step closer to a new stadium in Illinois was canceled.
The House Revenue and Finance Committee canceled a meeting Wednesday to hear the “Mega Project” bill.
No date has been set on a new hearing.
The bill could give the Bears a long-term property tax break for their proposed stadium in Arlington Heights.
Governor JB Pritzker speaking Thursday said the news was disappointed by the Bears statement.
“It was a surprise to us,” Governor Pritzker said. “The Bears actually, yesterday, we completed more than three hours, my team did, of discussions with the Bears, very positive discussions and mostly agreed on a bill that would move forward this morning, but they asked us not to move forward with it this morning because they said they wanted to tweak a couple of items in the bill that were things that we were working on them and so to have a statement put out by the Bears…Now they saying to us that that statement is not some confirmation that they are moving to Indiana but rather that Indiana had asked them to say that they are going to move forward with the negotiations in Indiana, but I have to say it is very disappointing to hear that they would put that statement out but not saying about the advancement that has been made in Illinois. We are waiting to hear from the Bears what they would like to do next.”
Pritzker and his staff, and lawmakers have been meeting with Bears brass behind closed doors.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton released a statement saying, “Today’s announcement that the State of Indiana has selected Hammond for the new Bears stadium marks a major shift for our region. While Gary presented a compelling case, the State’s decision now sets the stage for a new chapter in Northwest Indiana.
“While I would be less than honest if I said there isn’t some level of disappointment, I am encouraged to see meaningful progress in this process. Major decisions like this require movement, clarity, and commitment – and today represents a step forward for Northwest Indiana.
“My primary concern remains ensuring that previously committed funding, particularly the innkeeper’s tax revenue designated for the operations of the Lake County Convention Center in Gary, is protected and honored. We must safeguard investments that support our long-term growth and stability.
“Regional success benefits us all. Should this project move forward following the Bears due diligence exorts in Hammond, I will join leaders from across the state in welcoming the Bears to Northwest Indiana. A development of this magnitude creates a rising tide for the entire region. Gary is uniquely positioned to amplify this economic momentum-serving as the western gateway to the Indiana Dunes National Park, served by three major interstate corridors and an international airport.
“Gary’s progress does not depend on one opportunity. Gary’s comeback is real, it is measurable, and its momentum continues.
“Hammond, don’t fumble, we’re ready to recover.”
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