CHICAGO (NBC CHICAGO) — The Chicago Bears released a statement Thursday as lawmakers took a step closer to making a stadium in northwest Indiana closer to reality.
The Indiana Senate already rapidly passed legislation setting the parameters for a deal with the Bears, including a bond issue, a lease with the team, and other agreements that a new board would make with the team, but questions remained over whether such legislation would make it through the House.
Despite earlier comments that lawmakers would not push the bill forward without the team's commitment to build in Indiana, it appears things have shifted, with the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee passing an amended version of the bill unanimously Thursday, marking one of the biggest steps forward.
In their statement, the Bears said if the bill passes it would "mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date."
"We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe," the team said. "We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together."
Lawmakers in Indiana had said they needed the Bears to show that they are serious about choosing a spot in northwest Indiana.
With that now seemingly official, and the Wolf Lake location appearing to be the chosen site, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston said Thursday “there’s a shared commitment between both parties to make this happen."
"Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears," Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement. "We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly."
Lawmakers called the move a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" for Indiana.
“Hammond is uniquely positioned for this moment. We're part of the Chicagoland region. We're only 20 minutes from Soldier Field," Rep. Ryan Mishler said Thursday. “We're ready to help write Indiana’s next great chapter.”
It was not immediately clear if or when the full House would vote, but it would need to do so before the session ends on Feb. 27.
“Bringing the Chicago Bears to Hammond and Northwest Indiana is truly transformative,” Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said in a statement. “I want to thank Governor Braun, Speaker Huston and Senator Mishler for their leadership in getting this deal done. I look forward to continuing to be a strong local partner in this project that will change Hammond and Northwest Indiana for future generations."
Meanwhile, legislative discussion on the stadium plans in Illinois was scheduled to take place in the Revenue & Finance Committee Thursday, but was canceled.
A spokesperson for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the pause in discussion was requested by the Bears.
"Illinois was ready to move this bill forward. After a productive three hour meeting yesterday, the Bears leaders requested the ILGA pause the hearing to make further tweaks to the bill. This morning, we were surprised to see a statement lauding Indiana and ignoring Illinois," spokesman Matt Hill wrote on X.
Illinois lawmakers have been meeting frequently with the team to discuss the parameters of a deal to have a new stadium constructed in suburban Arlington Heights
That deal would lock in property tax rates and also help to finance infrastructure improvements around the stadium, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker this week confirmed that lawmakers are continuing to have near-daily meetings with Bears officials.
Still, some suburban officials say the process has been taking too long.
“Our region has been asleep at the wheel for the past three years,” Rolling Meadows Mayor Lara Sanoica said. “It’s a problem. It’s the only reason that Indiana looks like a more viable option than the Chicagoland area.”
Illinois lawmakers do have more time to negotiate with the Bears prior to the end of their legislative session. While Indiana’s legislature will be in session through the end of February, Illinois’ General Assembly will be in session through the end of May.
