Chicago Bears moving forward with stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana

On Friday, June 5, Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren released a joint statement announcing the team’s intention to move forward with its stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana. The move comes after many months of negotiations between Bears leadership and Illinois lawmakers.

“Yesterday, the Chicago Bears Board of Directors met and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected,” the statement read. “We believe a world-class stadium in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city. It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”

At GreatNews.Life, we know how important sports are to the Northern Indiana. In the past year, we’ve covered 213 high school games and have been there to capture awesome community events like Crown Point’s Ball Diamond Sports Festival, the La Porte Invitational, and South Shore CVA’s Candy Bowl and Crossover Volleyball Tournament. To say we’re excited about an NFL team coming to our home would be an understatement.

It’s not just us either. Elected officials throughout the Region and the state are sharing their excitement with the community.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun welcomed the Bears to the Region with open arms and encouraged Hoosiers to do the same.

“We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the ’85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before,” the governor said in a press release. “Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality.”

Representative Earl Harris, Jr. sees this as a natural development thanks to the work being done throughout the Region.

“This is a common-sense next step in the evolution we’ve seen in the Region over the past several years,” he said. “From the Hard Rock Casino in Gary to the Gary Chicago International Airport and the development of the Lake County Convention Center to the expansion of the South Shore Line, Northwest Indiana leaders have been building our county into destination cities. Bringing the Chicago Bears to Hammond will not only bring more visitors to our community, but will help us retain talented workers and students who were raised and educated here in Northwest Indiana. All of these factors will make Hammond – and The Region – a better place to live, work and visit.”

Representative Frank Mrvan echoed Harris’ sentiments.

“The relocation of the Chicago Bears to Indiana represents a historic economic development victory for Northwest Indiana and our state,” Mrvan said. “Beyond the excitement of welcoming one of the National Football League’s flagship franchises, this project will generate thousands of construction jobs, create new permanent employment opportunities, spur private investment, increase tourism, and expand the tax base that supports local communities. The economic benefits of this development will be felt not only in Northwest Indiana, but throughout the state for generations to come.”

“I am pleased to hear the Chicago Bears announce their ownership team voted to continue moving forward on the Hammond site. This is a great step forward in our efforts to bring the Bears to Indiana, and I am grateful to the Bears leadership team for their communication with us during this discussion period. I look forward to further fostering our relationship with them as we continue discussing our next steps in the process,” said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka).

“I am extremely excited that conversations continue to progress in such a significant way with regard to bringing the Bears to Indiana. This is a transformational opportunity, and I am confident our outstanding economic climate, Hoosier Hospitality and fan base are a great fit for the franchise. I want to thank Sen. Mishler for all of his work on this effort, and I look forward to continuing the discussion,” said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville).

“The Bears coming to Hammond is a transformational moment for the region and the state of Indiana. It demonstrates what happens when you consistently and steadily invest in infrastructure like the South Shore double track and West Lake projects, and quality of place initiatives like our $30 million shoreline investment at Wolf Lake,” Sherri Ziller, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, said. “That was already a big success story for Hammond and the RDA, and now, as the future home of the Chicago Bears, it’s about to bigger than anyone ever expected.”

“This is a historic moment for Hammond, Lake County and all of Northwest Indiana,” said Phil Taillon, President and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority. “We are grateful for the leadership of Governor Mike Braun, Speaker Todd Huston, the entire Indiana General Assembly, and also Mayor Tom McDermott and the City of Hammond, whose vision and commitment helped make this opportunity possible. The Chicago Bears choosing Hammond as the preferred site is more than a stadium announcement—it is a powerful statement about our region’s potential. This project will elevate Northwest Indiana onto a national stage, drive tourism and investment, and create new opportunities for our communities, businesses and residents while also creating jobs and attracting new talent to the region.”

The Bears have been in talks with the City of Hammond about developing a stadium at Wolf Lake. Alongside Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott’s other planned developments for the city, including a new transit-oriented development, the stadium will be an economic boost for the city and the Region as a whole.

On Friday, McDermott issued a statement, saying, “The Chicago Bears chose Hammond, Indiana because they see what I have said for years: Hammond is a successful city of opportunity and possibility, an excellent choice for such a significant investment. The city of Hammond and the entirety of Northwest Indiana will benefit from this transformative investment. I am proud to have partnered with our state leaders to secure this win; I’m grateful to Gov. Mike Braun, Speaker Todd Huston, Sen Ryan Mishler and our local legislators who pushed this deal over the goal line!”

Other mayors from throughout the Region are just as excited for the stadium development.

“It’s an exciting day for Mayor Tom, the City of Hammond and the entire Region as the Bears plan their move to Northwest Indiana,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land said. “As a lifelong Bears fan, I am excited to catch a game in our backyard. Bear down!”

“Unbelievable things happen when you cross party lines!” said La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody. “Congratulations to Mayor McDermott and Governor Braun on this incredible accomplishment for our state and region!”

“This is a huge day in Northwest Indiana history and sports history,” City of Portage Mayor Austin Bonta said. “I recently told a Chicago TV talk show that I predicted this would happen after watching the progress since it was narrowed down to Arlington Heights and Hammond earlier this year, and I’m looking forward to a shorter trip to Bears games in the future. Congratulations to everyone involved for getting to this big step within a very historic journey.”

“This opportunity was created because Indiana has for many years been fiscally conservative, and that put local, regional and state leaders in a position to attract this opportunity,” Valpo Mayor Jon Costas said. “Hosting potentially 200 events a year, this project will bring an impact well beyond football games. The Region is getting a boost that will lift all boats, and this is a great example of how we work together for the good of our communities. Mayor McDermott is a ‘get it done’ sort of guy. He and others have laid down their political ideology for practical success – from the governor to membes of the legislature. From day one, this has been a bi-partisan effort.”

“Welcome to Indiana!” Braun said.