The Chicago Bears have been wanting a new stadium for some time now, and they may have found a polarizing solution across the border. Not everyone, however, is happy with it.
On Thursday, the board of directors of the reigning NFC North champions announced that it was submitting a $2.1-billion plan to build a dome in the suburb of Hammond in neighboring Indiana. This new stadium will replace Soldier Field, which is the oldest and smallest venue in the NFL, and mark the first time the franchise is based outside of Illinois.
Thanks for the submission!
Indiana Governor Mike Braun, whose legislature had passed a law establishing an authority that would facilitate the construction of such a stadium in February, reacted enthusiastically to the announcement:
•
“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.”
Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
His Illinoisian counterpart JB Pritzker, meanwhile, has not been so lucky. Dustin Grage, analyst and columnist for the conservative media outlet Townhall, reciprocated fans’ disappointment and anger towards him for the move:
“I hate to admit it, but JB Pritzker might be worse than Tim Walz. Imagine losing the Minnesota Vikings to Hudson, Wisconsin.”
Spokesperson for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reacts to Bears’ planned move to Illinois
In a related development, Matt Hill, a spokesperson for JB Pritzker, accused the Bears of having “hindered” stadium talks just so that they could leave the state on their terms:
“The Bears have built a storied legacy in Illinois for over 100 years but have spent the last six years, and especially the last few months, shifting their position on a stadium location. … Today appears to be another instance of that after Illinois leaders have been working with the Bears in good faith.”
He added:
“Governor Pritzker has always been clear that he wants the Bears to stay in Illinois and still remains open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers.”
One such solution involves the Bears remaining in-state in the suburb of Arlington Heights, with a new domed stadium to be built on what used to be the Arlington Park racecourse.
Edited by Andre Castillo
