It didn’t take long for fans of the Chicago Bears to share their thoughts on the team’s board of directors voting to “advance” the new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, on Friday.
Though the exact site has not yet been determined, the Bears said the vote was made Thursday in an announcement on Friday morning.
“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,” a joint statement from Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President and CEO Kevin Warren read.
The vote is the latest development in a several-months-long battle between Hammond and suburban Arlington Heights, coming days after Illinois lawmakers failed to pass legislation that was aimed at keeping the Bears in Illinois. After the spring legislative session closed without approved legislation, the team said they would finalize their evaluations of both sites “and remain on the late spring/early summer timeline” for a decision.
“It’s disappointing, the team belongs in Illinois,” said Bears fan Dan McQuade who spoke with NBC Chicago shortly after the announcement was made.
McQuade said though he’s disappointed about the move, he will keep following the team even if they end up in Indiana and that he thinks move of the fanbase will too.
Many fans shared their reactions on social media shortly after the announcement, most leaving unhappy comments.
“what if u didn’t tho,” said Naperville-raised Belmont Cameli, an actor known for his breakout role starring in the new hit show “Off Campus.”
Several Instagram users left comments on the team’s announcement post asking if they plan to change their name from the Chicago Bears or the lyrics to the team’s historic touchdown song — that states “you’re the pride and joy of Illinois!” — to account for the out-of-state move.
Responses on X were also largely negative, and many were critical of the joint statement claiming the vote “will bring Chicagoland together.”
Some fans speculated that the vote may be the result of the “Madden Curse” as it comes shortly after it was announced quarterback Caleb Williams landed on the cover of the latest version of the “Madden” video game franchise. Others asked if the Madden cover will be changed to no longer feature the Chicago skyline.
While most social media comments came from fans expressing feelings of anger, frustration and even betrayal, some Indiana residents welcomed the news.
NBC Chicago spoke with Hammond resident and life-long Bears fan Bryce Ozelie shortly after the announcement was made.
“Me and my friends are just over the moon,” he said. “Hammond’s a beautiful area, they’ve got a lot of room to work with, and I think what they have in store is going to be very good, all the fans will love it, and I believe the move to Hammond will be very, very good.”
Ozelie expressed confidence that the team’s fanbase will survive the move.
“There are so many Bears fans in Northwest Indiana that will fill that stadium just like Soldier Field,” said Ozelie. “I’m very excited for the new stadium. […] Bears fans deserve it and I’m glad they got it.”
