The Chicago Bears want to build a new stadium. A move to another US state is becoming increasingly likely.
Will the Indianapolis Colts soon have a new NFL rival within their state? The Chicago Bears are planning to build a new stadium – and the chances for the US state of Indiana to prevail against the current location of Illinois seem to be increasing.
As the Governor of Indiana, Mike Braun, wrote in a post on social media, his state is definitely open to this.
“Indiana is open for business, and our growth-friendly environment continues to attract great opportunities, like this partnership with the Chicago Bears,” he said.
“We have identified a promising location near Wolf Lake in Hammond and have established a comprehensive framework for negotiating a definitive agreement.”
Are the Chicago Bears moving from Illinois to Indiana?
If the amendment to the bill is approved in the Senate, the framework for a partnership will be created – subject to a smooth site review.
“The state of Indiana moves at the speed of the economy, and we have demonstrated that through our rapid coordination among state agencies, local governments and the Legislature to set the stage for a big win for all Indiana residents,” Braun said.
“We have developed a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership.”
NFL: Bears officials thrilled
The NFL team itself also released a statement on the Indiana Senate bill: “Passage would be the most significant step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,” said the Bears.
They are determined to complete site assessments in order to “realize the vision of building a world-class stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana.”
The aim is to create a “first-class venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from around the world”. According to Pro Football Talk, Indiana would provide the Bears with a “state-owned stadium where the Bears would play.”
The Bears are currently playing at Soldier Field in Chicago.
