The Chicago Bears are one step closer to leaving Chicago after more than a century. The team's board of directors voted Thursday evening to advance a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, marking the first time the board has voted on a stadium site.
Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren called the project “world-class,” saying it will connect Northwest Indiana with the South Side of Chicago.
The move follows the failure of a state “megaprojects” bill in the Illinois Senate that would have granted the team property tax certainty for a new stadium in Arlington Heights. An NFL source says Illinois would need “a Hail Mary” to retain the team.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed similar legislation for the Bears in February. The NFL has been briefed on the decision and has expressed no stated opposition.
The Bears, founded in Illinois in 1920 and moved to Chicago in 1921, now have one foot out the door. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker face growing criticism for failing to secure legislative support to keep the franchise.