Bears ownership votes to prioritize move to Indiana

Chairman George McCaskey and members of the board of directors for the Chicago Bears voted Thursday to move forward with plans to cross the state border to Hammond, Ind., for the team's new stadium.

McCaskey and team president and CEO Kevin Warren said the "exact site" in the undeveloped area less than 30 miles from Soldier Field was not yet selected, but the move to the general region is fully supported by the board after failed attempts to stay in Illinois.

"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," the statement issued Friday from McCaskey and Warren read.

Team headquarters is 35 miles north of downtown Chicago in Lake Forest, Ill. That is the site of Halas Hall, which houses administration, coaches and scouts, as well as team practice fields, on a 38-acre site that was recently renovated with updates inside and outside the complex.

The Bears are leasing Soldier Field and the City of Chicago controls many elements of revenue under terms of a lease that expires in 2033. The Bears can exit the lease early by paying a fee of more than $90 million.

Illinois failed to pass an incentive bill for the team's planned site in Arlington Heights, which is in the northwest Chicago suburbs. Without it, the Bears would face the same burden of tax uncertainty the franchise perceives is limiting it at Soldier Field.

The Bears purchased the former site of Arlington Park, a storied horse racing track, with a vision of developing the site with a stadium, shopping and housing.

ESPN reported Illinois could still has a chance to "get back in the race" for a new NFL stadium even though Indiana has taken a commanding lead with the latest development.

Indiana governor Mike Braun celebrated the potential for a second NFL franchise, accompanying the Indianapolis Colts, following McCaskey's news Friday morning.

"Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state!," Braun said in a statement. "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."

--Field Level Media