Mike Braun Optimistic Bears Move to Hammond Indiana Soon
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said he is optimistic the Chicago Bears will pick hammond indiana for their new stadium, pointing to late February legislation and a faster development path. He said the team could make an announcement in the next three or four weeks.
Braun told ABC7 Chicago he is feeling more confident than ever that the Hoosier state will soon be home to the Bears. The governor also said the team is only looking at two possible stadium sites, Hammond and Arlington Heights.
Brown County and Wolf Lake
Indiana state lawmakers passed legislation in late February to pave the way for a Bears stadium in Hammond near Wolf Lake. Braun said Indiana’s AAA credit rating is one selling point for the state, along with what he described as the speed of doing business there.
“Dare I say there might be a good, better, best stadium construction in Hammond,” Braun said in Merrillville, Ind., while addressing Indiana Business Hall of Fame inductions. He also said, “You'll get a lot more stadium for the amount of money you invest. And with the vitality and business atmosphere of what you can get coming into Hammond.”
Illinois Mega-Projects Bill
The Bears say the Illinois “mega-projects” bill is essential to them staying in Illinois, but the Illinois Senate had not yet voted on it when the article was published. Braun said the McCaskeys have been to the governor’s mansion in Indianapolis on several occasions, and he said that Illinois still had not produced what the team appears to be seeking.
Roger Goodell said at NFL meetings Tuesday that the Bears are only looking at two possible stadium sites, Hammond and Arlington Heights. The measure that would pave the way for an Arlington Heights stadium is opposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson and some Chicago legislators.
Arlington Heights Pressure
Jim Tinaglia, the Arlington Heights mayor, said, “If it doesn't happen... it will be a very dark day for Illinois, and I think that the Bears will be really, really challenged with staying in Illinois,” as the Illinois fight over the stadium bill continued. Braun said he believes the Bears will finish their due diligence on the Hammond site soon.
For readers in Northwest Indiana, the practical takeaway is simple: Hammond remains in the running now, and the next public signal from the team should come within the three- to four-week window Braun described.
