Gov. Mike Braun confident in efforts to bring Chicago Bears to Indiana
HAMMOND, Ind. —
Gov. Mike Braun says he’s confident that the Chicago Bears will relocate to northern Indiana.
It comes after Indiana lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year authorizing the creation of a stadium authority in Hammond.
In contrast, Illinois lawmakers did not advance a proposal aimed at keeping the team in the state.
As a result, the Bears’ board of directors voted to advance their stadium project in Hammond.
“So it’s really a win-win. Any taxes would be generated on new revenue sources. It’s not like it’s taxing something already there. That’s a minor part of it. The boom to the economy up in an area that needs it — Hammond, Gary, East Chicago, Whiting. Our economy is so strong. That’s a spot that needs a little renaissance,” Braun said.
The Bears’ lease for Soldier Field in Chicago runs through 2033, but the team has the option to pay a fee to break the lease early.
No timeline has been provided for when a final decision will be made.