Updated
Updated · NBC Chicago · Jun 9
Hammond Says 3 Bears Stadium Sites Draw 2 Other Pro Teams to Northwest Indiana
Updated
Updated · NBC Chicago · Jun 9

Hammond Says 3 Bears Stadium Sites Draw 2 Other Pro Teams to Northwest Indiana

3 articles · Updated · NBC Chicago · Jun 9

Summary

  • Three Hammond sites are under consideration for a Chicago Bears stadium, Mayor Tom McDermott said, adding he expects the team to pick a location within weeks so construction can start this summer.
  • At least 300 acres would be needed for the broader project, with the stadium itself taking 60 to 110 acres; McDermott said businesses could face eminent domain but no homes would be affected.
  • Two other professional sports teams have also expressed interest in relocating to Northwest Indiana, local tourism officials said, citing Indiana's willingness to offer business-friendly incentives.
  • The proposed development is described as a multibillion-dollar district that could transform the area around Hammond, even as Illinois still has a narrow chance to keep the Bears through a special session.

Insights

With the Bears' board backing an Indiana stadium, is there any play left for Illinois to keep its team home?
Will Indiana's billion-dollar bet on the Bears truly transform its economy or just benefit the team's owners?