Indiana Gov. Mike Braun: Illinois ‘dithered’ as we reached Bears stadium deal
Indiana Governor Mike Braun explains Indiana’s quick action to secure the Chicago Bears’ stadium project in Hammond. Contrast this with the Illinois legislature’s five years of indecision and say, “We are not charlatans.” Braun emphasizes Indiana’s business-friendly environment, highlighting the state’s economic growth and low unemployment.
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Former Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo is enjoying the Windy City after his retirement, but soon the city will be without a major sport.
The Chicago Bears of the National Football League will leave Chicago for Hammond, Indiana, approximately 20 miles south of their current home.
The Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971, and before that, they played their home games at Rizzo’s old stomping ground, Wrigley Field, for 50 seasons.
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A general view inside 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 have been pretty insistent on leaving, city officials have been desperately trying to keep them, and Rizzo says they “deny that they’re leaving.”
“I think they’re trying to deny it as much as they can until it’s official,” Rizzo told Pak Gazette Digital.
“Soldier Field was, is, amazing, in my opinion. It’s hard 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 going 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, on November 4, 2016. (Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire)
CHICAGO BEARS TAKE BIG STEP TO LEAVE CITY AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY AS FRANCHISE MAKES PLANS IN INDIANA
“Then again, the New York Giants and the New York Jets play in New Jersey, so. The renderings of what they’re doing look amazing. If you build it, they’ll come, right?”
The Bears board of directors met last week night and voted to move forward with the stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with an exact 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 that extend north of the city,” Bears President George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement.
“It will bring Chicago together and provide new opportunities for its residents and businesses.”
This is the first time the team’s board of directors has voted at a stadium site. This development is notable and significant, but an NFL source told Pak Gazette that there is a chance Illinois could still convince the team to stay in the state. These opportunities were characterized as requiring a “Hail Mary” political effort.
Chicago Bears helmets are displayed before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on September 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Mio/Image Images)
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However, that Hail Mary, even if it works, will move the club out of Chicago, with the only Illinois location as a possible landing spot being Arlington Heights.
