The Chicago Bears have willingly exposed themselves to becoming political fodder in pursuit of their new stadium, and that is exactly what is happening as Illinois and Indiana jockey for the right to be the home of one of the NFL’s oldest franchises.
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams did not offer input on the team’s location quandary, but he did express interest in a topic that has circulated among fans amid a league-wide trend.
That and more as the Bears and the rest of the NFL prepare for the offseason.
Bears Stadium Update Takes Another Turn
Bears Make Headway on Stadium Deal
In just a matter of months, the state of Indiana has gone from being a long-shot hypothetical scenario to putting forth what the Bears called the “most meaningful steps” towards a new stadium in a statement.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun noted the state had identified a “promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond,” and that they have “established a broad framework” to negotiate a final deal.
That is, presuming “site due diligence” goes as hoped.
“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears,” Braun said in a post on X on February 19.
“The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott also spoke about his city and state’s aggressive approach to attract the Bears to the area. He even suggested potentially moving Halas Hall.
CHGO’s Adam Hoge pushed back on that idea, noting the recent updates to the complex.
Still, it is very clear that Hammond and Indiana are all-in on the Bears. They could join the Kansas City Chiefs, and several other teams around the league, in leaving the state they call home for a more accommodating neighbor.
JB Pritzker, Illinois Clap Back
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s chief of communications, Matt Hill, also commented on the situation.
“Illinois was ready to move this bill [ILHB 2789] forward,” Hill posted on X on February 19, sharing a post from Capital News Illinois’ Brenden Moore reporting that the plans to call the bill had been cancelled. “After a productive three hour meeting yesterday, the Bears leaders requested the ILGA pause the hearing to make further tweaks to the bill.
“This morning, we were surprised to see a statement lauding Indiana and ignoring Illinois.”
Pritzker spoke publicly on Thursday. He expressed disappointment with Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren for not attending the meeting. He also called the Bears’ decision not to mention the progress of Illinois’ bill while praising Indiana “very disappointing.”
Pritzker also said that, despite the rhetoric used in the team’s official statement, the team has relayed to his staff that it was not an official declaration of their intentions to move.
The fallout has been intense, with local media preaching patience from fans.
Nationally, the Bears have been called everything on the spectrum as far as how they have conducted themselves during this entire situation. Fans of both decisions have repeatedly stated has dragged on for years.
Lingering in all of this is the property the Bears own in Arlington Heights. That site is further from the current stadium than the one in Indy would be. It is also in Illinois.
There is also precedent for teams moving out of the state they call home.