The Chicago Bears board of directors has officially voted to advance a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, according to an official statement released by the team.
This decision marks a significant pivot in the franchise's search for a new long-term home. Hammond is located in Northwest Indiana, situated directly on the Illinois-Indiana border and approximately 25 miles from downtown Chicago. By advancing this project, the Bears are formally exploring the possibility of moving the franchise outside of Illinois for the first time in history, while remaining within the broader Chicagoland area.
The move to prioritize the Hammond site comes as the team navigates complex hurdles with other potential locations. The Bears previously purchased the 326-acre Arlington International Racecourse property in Arlington Heights for $197.2 million, but that project has stalled due to ongoing disputes over property tax assessments. While the team has also discussed a potential domed stadium on the Chicago lakefront, the board's vote signals that the Indiana proposal is now a primary contender.
According to the team's statement, the vote allows the organization to proceed with detailed feasibility studies, infrastructure planning, and formal negotiations with Indiana officials. This step indicates that the Hammond site has moved beyond preliminary discussions and into a more active phase of development consideration.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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