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In an intriguing development, the Chicago Bears have issued a fresh statement regarding their plans for a new stadium, coinciding with Indiana lawmakers advancing legislation aimed at relocating the team to Hammond.
The Bears expressed enthusiasm, stating, “The passage of SB 27 represents the most significant progress in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to completing the necessary due diligence specific to the site to realize our vision of constructing 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 members of the Indiana General Assembly in creating this essential framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors worldwide. We value our partnership and look forward to strengthening our working relationship.”
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On Thursday morning, legislators unanimously voted to advance a bill from the Ways and Means Committee. This legislation proposes the creation of the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, mirroring the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority’s structure.
This move could potentially entice the Chicago Bears to make the cross-border shift, establishing a new home stadium in Indiana. Such a development would mark a significant chapter in the team’s history, with far-reaching implications for the franchise and its fan base.
This could convince the Chicago Bears to cross state line and build a new stadium.
Lawmakers said the Bears would pay $2 billion toward construction costs.
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.
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.
SEE ALSO | Talks of Bears moving to suburbs progressing, Pritzker says, amid attempts to lure team to Indiana
The bill could give the Bears a long-term property tax break for their proposed stadium in Arlington Heights.
Wednesday, Governor Pritzker mentioned progress is being made towards keeping the stadium in Illinois.
Pritzker and his staff, and lawmakers have been meeting with Bears brass behind closed doors.
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