INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WFIE) - The Chicago Bears voted Thursday to continue development talks with Hammond, Ind., for a new stadium, the team announced Friday.
The NFL team’s board of directors has been in talks with Illinois officials for a new deal to build a stadium, but the proposal died in the House.
Despite a late-night, bipartisan vote by the Illinois Senate to approve an incentive bill, state lawmakers ultimately failed to pass the legislation encouraging the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in Illinois.
Indiana passed its incentive package, largely matching the offer that built Lucas Oil Stadium for the Indianapolis Colts. It offered $1 billion in taxpayer-backed financing for a stadium, allowing the Bears to build a stadium without paying property taxes for decades.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun issued the following statement Friday following the announcement that the Chicago Bears will build a world-class stadium facility in Hammond.
Gov. Braun says, “Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state! We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the ’85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come.”
Indiana’s Governor goes on to say, “An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before. Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality. Welcome to Indiana!”
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