Chicago Bears edge closer to leaving Illinois as stadium plans advance

Photo by Kara Durrette/Getty ImagesThe Chicago Bears have taken their strongest step yet toward leaving Illinois, with Hammond, Indiana now emerging as the frontrunner in the franchise’s search for a new stadium.

>On Thursday, the team’s Board of Directors voted to advance plans for a stadium development in Hammond, the first time the Bears have formally moved forward on a specific site.

>While the move is not official yet, it marks a significant turn in a stadium saga that has stretched from Soldier Field to Arlington Heights, and now across the state line.

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty ImagesHammond stadium plan gathers pace for Chicago BearsAccording to Adam Schefter, the Bears’ board voted to advance the Hammond project, with one source describing the decision as nearly final.

>“There is more work to do but barring anything very strange, it’s a done deal.”

>That sort of language signals a shift from the usual stadium posturing. While the Bears have considered several options, Hammond now appears to have real momentum, largely because Indiana has offered the financial certainty Illinois has struggled to match.

>The core issue is not just the age or design of Soldier Field, although it remains one of the NFL’s smallest and most complicated venues. The bigger concern is whether the team can build a modern stadium without unpredictable property tax costs undermining the project.

Illinois tax issues push Bears toward Indiana stadium optionThe Bears had purchased the site of the former Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, but tax disputes and stalled legislation kept that plan from moving forward.

>While Indiana has already taken steps to offer the Bears more predictable terms, Illinois lawmakers failed to pass a stadium bill before the legislative session ended.

>That is what makes Hammond so appealing. The location keeps the Bears close to their Chicago fan base while allowing them to operate under a different state tax structure.

>The Indianapolis Colts have also responded positively, wishing the Bears well and expressing hope that the move would support community and economic development in northwest Indiana.

>Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has argued that the Bears’ shifting positions have slowed progress, and both Chicago and Arlington Heights still have reasons to stay in the race. NFL sources have also cautioned that Illinois is not out of the running just yet.

>But this is the strongest indication so far that the Bears are ready to leave Soldier Field, and potentially Illinois. If Hammond gets the nod, the team would keep its Chicago identity, but the state hosting its future would be different.

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