Bears' Move to Hammond, Indiana Gains Momentum as Stadium Bill Advances
The Chicago Bears' pursuit of a new stadium has taken a decisive turn toward Hammond, Indiana, marking a potential shift across state lines while remaining close to their Chicago fan base. An Indiana House committee unanimously approved an amendment to a bill that establishes a framework for publicly-financed stadium construction, specifically naming Hammond as the eligible city. The Bears organization responded with a statement calling this legislative action the "most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date," confirming their vision for a "world-class stadium" near the Wolf Lake area. The proposed move has generated significant reactions on both sides of the border. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed surprise at the Bears' signaling of a shift to Indiana. Meanwhile, Indiana officials, including U.S. Senator Mike Braun, have promoted the state's "pro-growth environment" as a magnet for such opportunities. The legislation proposes that Indiana would issue a bond for construction, to be repaid through Hammond's admissions tax revenue, outlining a clear financial path for the project. While the team's headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois, would remain, the focus is now on the identified site in Hammond, a location with its own NFL history as the former home of the Hammond Pros, a charter NFL member from 1920-1926. The advancement of the bill, which now moves to the full House and Senate, has generated excitement among Hammond residents and officials, though significant due diligence and further legislative approval are still required before the vision becomes a reality.
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Momentum for new Chicago Bears stadium plan moves toward Hammond, Indiana - CBS Chicago
In language suggesting finality ... in its news release that "the Chicago Bears are not the first NFL team to call Hammond home." The Hammond Pros were founded in 1917, became a charter member team of the National Football League in 1920, and folded in 1926. The Pros were a traveling team — they didn't have a home stadium in Hammond ...
Chicago Bears news: Indiana lawmakers committee passes Hammond stadium bill, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker 'surprised' - ABC7 Chicago
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he was "surprised" after the Chicago Bears signaled a shift to Indiana in a new statement on a potential stadium as Indiana lawmakers moved forward with a bill to bring the team to Hammond.
Chicago Bears release statement as Indiana stadium bill inches closer to reality
In their statement, the Bears said if the bill passes it would "mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date." "We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond...
Indiana lawmakers in the state House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Indiana State Bill 27 by a vote of 24-0 on Thursday that would clear a path for the Bears to build a stadium in Hammond, Indiana.
Next stop Hammond? Indiana lawmakers approve Chicago Bears stadium bill, taking a big step
Oh no, the lawyer is coming.” ... said the news conference would end after one more question. Many Bears players and staff members live within close proximity to the Lake Forest facility, and the team in December said that despite the ongoing stadium discussions, the Bears’ Halas Hall headquarters would remain in Lake Forest. Huston said Indiana would issue a bond for the construction of the stadium, to be repaid through the city of Hammond’s admissions ...
Bears to Indiana? Team calls bill 'most meaningful step' as new site gains traction | FOX 32 Chicago
An Indiana House committee unanimously approved a stadium framework bill tied to the Chicago Bears. The proposed site is near Wolf Lake in Hammond, just across the Illinois border.
Mike Braun posted on X that 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 ...
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