From Bears leadership to Illinois lawmakers to Indiana’s governor, a number of statements have been made surrounding the team’s latest announcement that they plan to move forward with their stadium project in Indiana.
Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren issued a joint statement Friday as they announced to fans the latest update.
“Yesterday, the Chicago Bears Board of Directors met and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected,” the statement read. “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.”
The vote comes just days after Illinois lawmakers failed to approve legislation aimed at keeping the team in Illinois.
House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said despite the team’s latest move, the state “remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois.”
“In April, the House passed an economic development package that was the product of extensive negotiation with the Bears and other stakeholders. That bipartisan legislation reflected our belief that we can incentivize statewide development and provide property tax relief for working people,” Welch said. “While Indiana is willing to raise taxes and promise $1 billion in taxpayer funds, Illinois has focused on the needs of working families who want relief at the gas pump, at the store, and on their insurance bills—not taxpayer-funded stadiums. Illinois remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois. However, it will take time to get it right.”
Indiana had already offered the Bears up to $1 billion in incentives to relocate to the site in Hammond.
“Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state! 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. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before,” Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement. “Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality. Welcome to Indiana!”
“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,” Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said in a statement. “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! #BearDown Northwest Indiana.”
Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said Friday’s announcement is “not surprising.”
“Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, today’s announcement is not surprising. It’s also not surprising that Bears officials have stated this vote does not mean a move to Hammond is a done deal,” Johnson said. “Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents.”
