Indiana Gov. Mike Braun: Illinois ‘disturbed’ when we got Bears stadium deal
Indiana Governor Mike Braun explains Indiana’s swift action to protect the Chicago Bears stadium project in Hammond. He compares this to five years in the Illinois legislature, saying, ‘We’re not wafflers.’ Braun emphasizes Indiana’s business-friendly environment, highlighting the state’s economic growth and low unemployment.
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Former Chicago Cubs shortstop Anthony Rizzo is enjoying himself in the Windy City after retirement, but soon, the city will be without a home base.
The Chicago Bears of the National Football League will leave Chicago for Hammond, Indiana, about 20 miles south of their current home.
The Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971, and before that, they played their home games at Rizzo’s old stadium, Wrigley Field, for 50 seasons.
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A general view inside Soldier Field during the national anthem before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 26, 2024. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
While the Bears have been adamant that they leave, city officials have been trying hard to keep them, and Rizzo says he’s “in denial that they’re going to leave.”
“I think they’re trying to deny it as long as they can until it’s legal,” Rizzo told Fox News Digital.
“Soldier Field was soldier, it’s amazing, in my opinion. It’s difficult to get in and out, and it definitely needed some preparation, but the city of Chicago and the fan base, it’s very dangerous that they go to Indiana. I know it’s not very far; it’s not even 20 miles south, but the fact that it’s in Indiana is different,” he continues.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates during the team’s World Series victory rally at Grant Park in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 4, 2016. (Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire)
CHICAGO BEARS TAKE BIG STEP TOWARDS LEAVING TOWN AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY AS FRANCHISE MAKES PLANS FOR INDANA.
“Then, the New York Giants and the New York Jets play in New Jersey, so. The translation of what they’re doing looks amazing. If you build it, they will come, right?”
The Bears board of directors met last week into the evening and voted to move forward with the stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana – and the stadium site to be selected. The announcement was made the next day.
“We believe the world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana and the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and the neighborhoods and cities north of the city,” said Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren in a statement.
“It will unify Chicagoland and bring new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”
This is the first time that the club’s board has voted on the location of the stadium. The development is significant and important, but an NFL source told Fox News that there is a chance that Illinois could still convince the team to stay in the state. Those possibilities seem to require a “Hail Mary” political effort.
Chicago Bears helmets are shown before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., on Sept. 28, 2025. (Photos by Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn)
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However, that Hail Mary, even if it would work, would still take the club away from Chicago, the only site in Illinois that Arlington Heights could potentially land on.
Outkick’s Armando Salguero contributed to this report.
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