Chicago Bears fans are on quite the rollercoaster ride as the saga of their potential new stadium unfolds. The latest twist? The possibility of the stadium being located in Hammond, Indiana, rather than staying put in Illinois.
The Illinois House and Senate recently canceled a crucial meeting intended to discuss a bill that would support the construction of the Bears' new stadium in Arlington Heights. This has opened the door for Indiana, with Governor Mike Braun and the Bears releasing statements indicating that discussions are heating up about a new dome stadium across state lines. While nothing is set in stone, the Indiana option seems to be picking up steam.
Bears team president Kevin Warren recently shared insights with Chicago Business's Danny Eckler, suggesting progress is still being made on the Illinois front. “We continue to work with Illinois’ leadership and appreciate the progress being made,” Warren noted. This aligns with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's efforts, despite facing resistance from the state legislature.
The situation has left Bears fans in a state of confusion. On one hand, Hammond is closer to Chicago than Arlington Heights, but the idea of the Bears leaving Illinois-a state they've called home for over a century-doesn't sit well with everyone. Some fans point out that teams like the Washington Commanders, New York Jets, and Giants play outside their namesake states, as do the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Chargers with their cities.
The uncertainty has fans feeling like they’re caught in the middle of a tug-of-war. The real question is whether their voices are being heard at all. As it stands, it seems like the Bears, along with the states of Indiana and Illinois, are locked in a battle for the stadium, with fans left wondering where they fit into the equation.