HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) — Political leaders are speaking out after the Chicago Bears announced they are expanding their new stadium site search from Arlington Heights to the wider Chicagoland area, including Northwest Indiana.

Whether it’s a negotiating ploy or the Bears are serious about considering a new building a new stadium in another state, Indiana stands ready to welcome them to the Hoosier state. Hammond’s mayor said he is doing everything he can to convince the Bears his city is right for the team.

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Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren made the announcement Wednesday in an open letter.

The new expanded search in beyond the team’s current plans in Arlington Heights is due to what Warren calls a lack of cooperation from Illinois lawmakers to help secure “reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing,” and help fund construction for the infrastructure surrounding a new stadium.

The team has said in recent months it was moving forward with plans to build on the old Arlington Park site in the northwest suburbs, but the club had also requested state help for infrastructure needs.

“We have been told directly by State leadership, our project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it will bring to Illinois,” Warren’s letter read in part. “Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana. This is not about leverage. We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. We invested significant time and resources evaluating multiple sites and rationally decided on Arlington Heights.”

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Hammond, Indiana’s visitor center has been decorated to celebrate the movie “A Christmas Story,” whose author is from the Northwest Indiana town. But the town is hoping for an even bigger Christmas present if they can convince the Bears to build a new stadium here.

Phil Taillon is treasurer of the new Northwest Indiana Sports Development Commission, which was formed to try to attract a professional sports franchise to town. The Bears would be an even bigger catch than they imagined.

Taillon says Hammond, just over the Indiana border, is actually closer to downtown Chicago than Arlington Heights, the northwest suburban site where the Bears have previously said they planned to build. But even though the team has said they will pay the multi-billion dollar cost of a new stadium, Illinois lawmakers have failed to agree to pay for infrastructure improvements needed for a stadium.

“They are pushing the Bears to look at other options,” said Marc Ganis with Sportscorp Ltd.

This is not the first time the Bears have flirted with moving to Indiana. In the mid-90’s, the team, under then-chairman Michael McCaskey, talked about a site in Gary before the city and then-Mayor Richard Daley agreed to renovate Soldier Field. Current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to keep the Bears where they are.

“The Bears belong in the city of Chicago,” Mayor Johnson said. “The Chicago Bears belong to the city of Chicago, right? And I’ve said repeatedly that the door is always open for conversations.”

Indiana’s Governor says he is fully on board with the effort to bring the Bears to the Hoosier state, and he says he is willing to work with the team to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

In a statement on X, Indiana Governor Mike Braun said, “The Chicago Bears recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate, and I am ready to work with them to build a new stadium in Northwest Indiana. This move would deliver a major economic boost, create jobs, and bring another premier NFL franchise to the Hoosier State. Let’s get it done.”

SEE ALSO: Illinois, Arlington Heights leaders discuss funding construction of new Bears stadium

Governor JB Pritzker’s spokesperson shared the following statement on Wednesday:
“Suggesting the Bears would move to Indiana is a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season. The Governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago. He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the Governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers.”

The Village of Arlington Heights shared the following statement:
“The Village was made aware earlier today that the Chicago Bears are exploring the option of building their new stadium in northwest Indiana.
“Both the Village and the Chicago Bears remain confident that their Arlington Park property in Arlington Heights is the best option for their new stadium and entertainment district. However, we understand their need to explore any and all viable locations as part of their due diligence process. Due to restrictive legislation in Illinois, this exploration now includes moving to Indiana.
“The Village has been outspoken that a Megaproject bill is necessary to make a development project of this scale possible. A bill of this type would serve as a key economic development tool to attract large-scale investment not only in Arlington Heights, but in communities throughout the state.
“‘We encourage our Illinois State legislators to move forward with the Megaproject bill,’ said Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia. ‘This legislation will help to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois, within the limits of Cook County, and ultimately – in Arlington Heights.'”

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