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.
Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Illinois diversity commission says businesses aren’t cooperating
U.S. House, Senate, governor on Ohio primary ballots Tuesday
Will County Board Approves Tax Abatement Intent for “Project North Winds” Manufacturing Facility
Illinois lawmaker warns medical records bill could delay care
‘Farm Bill’ may ease cost burden for farmers; Ag groups urge US Senate action
Professor: Surging gas prices will have long-term effects
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS says ICE captures child sex abuser released by Illinois DOC
Durbin calls probe ‘sham’; state lawmaker backs transparency
Independent tax tribunal faces elimination by Pritzker budget proposal
Illinois Quick Hits: Civic federation funds ‘persistent structural imbalance’ in Illinois
Millions Approved for Will County Highway and Road Infrastructure Projects
Illinoisans may soon need registration, title, license to use e-bikes, scooters
