Indiana Gov. Mike Braun: Illinois ‘hesitated’ while we got Bears stadium deal
Indiana Governor Mike Braun explains Indiana’s quick action to secure the Chicago Bears stadium project in Hammond. He contrasts this with the Illinois legislature’s five years of indecision, declaring, “We are not gophers.” Braun emphasizes Indiana’s business-friendly environment, highlighting the state’s economic growth and low unemployment rate.
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Former Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo is reveling in the Windy City after his retirement, but soon the city will be without a major sport.
The National Football League’s Chicago Bears are expected to move from Chicago to Hammond, Indiana, about 20 miles south of their current home.
The Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971, and before that played their home games at Rizzo’s old stomping grounds, Wrigley Field, for 50 seasons.
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A general view of Soldier Field during the national anthem before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Illinois on December 26, 2024. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
While the Bears insisted on leaving, city officials tried desperately to keep them, and Rizzo says they “deny they’re leaving.”
“I think they’re trying to deny it as long as they can until it’s official,” Rizzo told PK Press Club Digital.
“Soldier Field was, is, great, in my opinion. It’s tough to get in and out of, and it definitely needed some renovations, but the city of Chicago and the fan base, it’s absolutely crazy that they’re moving to Indiana. I know it’s not too far; it’s not even 20 miles south, but the fact that it’s in Indiana is different,” he continued.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates during the team’s World Series victory rally at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, November 4, 2016. (Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire)
CHICAGO BEARS MAKE MAJOR STEP TOWARDS LEAVING CITY AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY AS FRANCHISE MAKES PLANS FOR INDIANA
“Then again, the New York Giants and the New York Jets play in New Jersey, so. The renderings of what they’re doing are incredible. If you build it, they will come, right?”
The Bears Board of Directors met last week evening and voted to move forward with the stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana – with a specific stadium site to be selected. The announcement was made the next day.
“We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Side through the Loop and through the neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city,” Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement.
“It will bring Chicagoland together and provide new opportunities for its residents and businesses.”
This is the first time the team’s board of directors has voted on a stadium site. This development is notable and significant, but an NFL source told PK Press Club there’s a chance Illinois may still be able to convince the team to stay in the state. These chances have been characterized as requiring a “Hail Mary” political effort.
Chicago Bears helmets are on display before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on September 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)
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However, this Hail Mary, even if it were to work, will still move the club out of Chicago, with the only Illinois location as a likely landing spot being Arlington Heights.
