State inching closer to bringing Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana

(INDIANAPOLIS) – The possibility of the Chicago Bears playing their home games in Indiana is getting closer to reality. 

The Bears have been planning a new stadium and have identified a location in Hammond for the project. 

It comes as Indiana lawmakers consider an amendment to Senate Bill 27, which would identify how Indiana would construct, finance and manage the new stadium.

The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee unanimously passed the amendment on Thursday morning. The bill still requires full passage through the Indiana General Assembly.

“The passage of SB 27 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,” the Chicago Bears said in a statement.

Governor Mike Braun issued a statement saying, “The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”

The Bears also own property in the northwest Chicago community of Arlington. There is reportedly a standstill with keeping the Bears in Illinois due to state lawmakers there not agreeing to a property tax measure that the team is seeking.