Chicago Bears to advance stadium project in Indiana
(The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears are moving forward with plans to build a stadium in Northwest Indiana.
Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren said Friday that the team’s board of directors voted on Thursday to advance their stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected.
“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,” McCaskey and Warren said in a statement.
The announcement comes four days after the Illinois legislature adjourned without advancing stadium bills.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun asked Hoosiers to help him welcome the Bears.
“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,” Braun said in a social media post.
On Feb. 26, Braun signed legislation creating a framework for a new Bears stadium in Hammond. Indiana Senate Bill 27 provides for a 1% food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties, a 5% hotel tax in Lake County, a 12% ticket tax and the capture of new property taxes at the development.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said Illinois focused on the needs of working families and 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,” Welch said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the 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,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The mayor’s office said the city will continue to engage in discussions until there are shovels in the ground in Hammond.
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Trump: Minnesota fraud, riots linked
WA leaders intensify opposition to federal immigration enforcement efforts
WATCH: Trump, Walz speak; White House puts demands on Minnesota leaders
Police group urges White House to convene law enforcement officials to work together
Illinois quick hits: Report: Paroled six-time felon charged in shootings
Systematic organization behind riots in Minnesota probed by FBI
Malibu continues to rebuild one year after Palisades Fire
‘Promises kept’: American energy dominance has advanced in Trump’s first year
Illinois millionaire’s tax would direct 50% of revenue to public schools
Group seeks clarity on local IL governments using tax dollars for polling
Illinois congressmen call for accountability after fatal Minneapolis shooting
Kavanagh: Mayes must resign, her comments endanger ICE
