Chicago Bears executives on Thursday said they continue to practice “due diligence” in finding a site for the team’s new stadium in northwest Indiana.
Bears President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Warren said their “sole focus” is in Indiana, while they continue to talk to Illinois.
He said at Halas Hall in Lake Forest Thursday they want to “take our time to get this right.”
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Indiana leaders remain optimistic, with Gov. Mike Braun saying his administration is in weekly contact with the team.
A crew conducted soil testing Wednesday at one of several Hammond sites under consideration for a new stadium complex.
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said the activity reflects the team’s ongoing evaluation.
“And I do know there’s extensive testing going on. Even right now, I had one of the local businesses in the new footprint call me and say, ‘Hey, they’re boring holes currently.’ So that’s the issue of the day between us and the Bears,” he said.
Tire tracks and utility flags were visible in a marshy area near the Wolf Lake Terminal, where additional testing took place earlier this summer.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest things that’s ever occurred to our state, not to mention the region. So we’re doing everything you need to do to make sure we get it done,” Braun said.
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Meanwhile, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said discussions continue on the Illinois side of the border.
“I do not believe there will be a special session for the Bears,” Welch said. “Our goal is to continue to have the conversations, get to something substantive. And if we can get that done, it would be done in veto session.”
Although the Bears originally planned to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, after buying Arlington Park in 2023, Illinois lawmakers never approved a bill to help them do so.
With site testing still underway in Hammond, the Bears appear to be seriously weighing an Indiana stadium option.
ABC7 Chicago is getting a special chance to sit down one-on-one with Chairman and Owner George McCaskey after the announcement.
Many are wondering: If they move, will their name change?
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This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.
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