The Chicago Bears are expected to make a major announcement regarding their stadium plans on Thursday, according to reports from 104.3 The Score and statements from local officials. The potential announcement comes as the franchise evaluates its long-term future, focusing heavily on a prospective site in northwest Indiana.
Hammond Mayor Expects Announcement Thursday
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott told NBC Chicago that team leadership informed him an announcement is scheduled for Thursday, though he was not given specific details about the content. According to Mayor McDermott, the city is closely watching the situation as the franchise weighs its stadium options. “I hope it’s about the stadium,” McDermott said to NBC Chicago. “I don’t want to presume, but I was told there’s going to be an announcement tomorrow, and that’s the issue we’re all dealing with.”
Indiana Site Due Diligence and State Backing
Bears Chairman George McCaskey confirmed to NBC Chicago earlier in the week that the organization is performing due diligence on a second site in Hammond, Indiana. This follows earlier reports from NBC Chicago’s Mary Ann Ahern identifying a parcel known as Wolf Lake Terminals, situated just east of the Illinois-Indiana state line near Interstate 90. The shift toward Indiana accelerated after a proposed property-tax “PILOT” bill failed to pass the Illinois General Assembly during its legislative session. In response, Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed legislation in February establishing a stadium authority capable of committing up to $1 billion in state incentives to lure the team across the border.
Comparison of Stadium Options in Illinois and Indiana
While the Bears still own the property of the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois lawmakers have yet to convene a special session or pass a rescue package to keep the franchise in the state. Governor Braun stated during a recent event in Valparaiso that the Indiana real estate discussions have “moved a long distance in a short period of time,” describing the negotiations as being in the “red zone.” Thursday’s anticipated address by McCaskey and team President and CEO Kevin Warren is expected to provide clarity on whether the franchise will pivot toward an Indiana stadium development.
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