INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana is driving toward a stadium deal with the Chicago Bears for a stadium in Hammond.
The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday morning unanimously advanced new language paving the way for a site in the Wolf Lake area where the NFL franchise could play its home games.
Amendments to Senate Bill 27 filed Thursday name Hammond as the location for a stadium project, should the Bears make the jump across the border into Indiana. The bill would establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to issue bonds, acquire land and finance capital improvements for a stadium deal with an NFL team.
In a statement, the Bears stopped short of committing to a potential move but said the passage of the bill would “mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date.”
The statement, also read in full by House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, during Thursday’s committee meeting, says:
> “The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date.
>
> We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together.”
Gov. Mike Braun released a statement shortly after the vote that said the amended bill creates a framework to complete an agreement with the Bears organization, “contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly.”
“The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers,” Braun said. “We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”
The bill now moves to the House floor for a vote next week.
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