Although no official deal has been reached, the Bears have taken yet another step closer to a stadium relocation in Northwest Indiana. This news could make some fans upset, but the Bears organization has made its mission and vision known in a press release released to the public from the team’s CEO and president. The statement assures those reading that its greatest priority is to make a decision that best benefits the fan base.
Again, nothing has been confirmed from the Bears standpoint, but it is public knowledge that the organization has remained open, cautious and has maintained flexibility when it comes to proposals about potential stadium locations. Indiana is clearly taking an aggressive approach to attract the Bears with confident and optimistic wording, while the state of Illinois is concerned about budgeting and taxpayer responsibility.
Leadership officials throughout the state of Indiana have expressed enthusiasm for this potential partnership. The mayor of Hammond even labeled it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity.” The state of Indiana is preparing and creating a vision for a new stadium, presenting itself as well equipped and positioning themselves as an economic leader that is capable of meeting the needs of the Bears organization.
A pivotal hearing scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19, in Springfield, Illinois was canceled, even though Illinois lawmakers are emphasizing that good progress is being made. The major concern between local leaders is the focus on affordability, and the location of the potential stadium.
This decision is still ongoing, and will be for the foreseeable future. But, it seems that Indiana may be holding the momentum in terms of the Bears redesigned and reconstructed stadium.
