The Chicago Bears are moving to Indiana, chairman says

CHICAGO (WNDU/Gray News) — The Chicago Bears are moving.

Chicago Bears officials announced they will be building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana — about 30 miles south of downtown Chicago.

Chicago Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren issued a joint statement Friday morning that read in part:

“We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city. It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the vote is not a final decision, but as one source told Schefter: “Barring anything very strange, it’s a done deal.”

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun issued a statement asking residents to help him welcome the Chicago Bears to the 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. 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.”