The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday took a significant step toward potentially relocating the Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana. The committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 27, clearing a path for the construction of a new stadium in the Wolf Lake area near Hammond, Indiana.
A Surprise Development
Indiana University Sports Media program director Galen Clavio described the bill’s passage as a “surprise to everybody involved in negotiations on the Illinois side.” He believes Indiana is “highly serious” about attracting the Bears across the state line, and the action now puts pressure on Illinois to respond.
Clavio noted the Bears have been seeking a new stadium “for a long time,” and have already purchased land in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He suggested Indiana’s willingness to establish a site and a stadium authority could be a decisive factor in the negotiations.
What’s Next?
While the passage of SB 27 is a major development, Clavio estimates the odds of the Bears actually moving to Indiana are currently “50-50.” A possible next step involves observing how Illinois officials react to Indiana’s move. The discussed 35-year lease indicates a significant level of commitment from both parties.
Clavio also addressed the possibility of two NFL teams – the Indianapolis Colts and the Bears – coexisting in Indiana. He pointed out that the northwestern Indiana region, known as “The Region,” often identifies more strongly with Chicago than with the rest of Indiana, and is geographically separated from Indianapolis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Senate Bill 27 do?
Senate Bill 27 created a pathway to build a stadium and potentially bring the Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana by establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.
What is the proposed location for a new Bears stadium?
The proposed site for the stadium is in the Wolf Lake area near Hammond, Indiana.
How does Indiana view its relationship with Chicago?
According to Galen Clavio, the Region of northwestern Indiana “really always considered itself a part of Chicago, more than it considers itself a part of Indiana in a lot of ways.”
Will Indiana be able to support two NFL teams?
