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Chicago Bears executives are expected to deliver an update Thursday on the team's stadium plans. Many are wondering: If they move, will their name change?
Indiana leaders remain optimistic, with Gov. Mike Braun saying his administration is in weekly contact with the team.
A crew conducted soil testing Wednesday at one of several Hammond sites under consideration for a new stadium complex.
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said the activity reflects the team's ongoing evaluation.
"And I do know there's extensive testing going on. Even right now, I had one of the local businesses in the new footprint call me and say, 'Hey, they're boring holes currently.' So that's the issue of the day between us and the Bears," he said.
Tire tracks and utility flags were visible in a marshy area near the Wolf Lake Terminal, where additional testing took place earlier this summer.
"It's going to be one of the biggest things that's ever occurred to our state, not to mention the region. So we're doing everything you need to do to make sure we get it done," Braun said.
RELATED |Chicago Bears consider new stadium sites in Hammond as IL Republican lawmakers make new proposals
McDermott said he was told the Bears plan to make an announcement Thursday.
The highly anticipated announcement will likely be made around noon during the team's press availability during training camp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.
"I was told from the Bears, that there would be an announcement," he said. "But maybe, I'm not presuming anything. I'm hopeful it's going to be good news."
Team sources downplayed the significance of the update, describing it as the Bears' usual pre-season availability with Chairman George McCaskey and President Kevin Warren.
Meanwhile, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said discussions continue on the Illinois side of the border.
"I do not believe there will be a special session for the Bears," Welch said. "Our goal is to continue to have the conversations, get to something substantive. And if we can get that done, it would be done in veto session."
Although the Bears originally planned to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, after buying Arlington Park in 2023, Illinois lawmakers never approved a bill to help them do so.
With site testing still underway in Hammond, the Bears appear to be seriously weighing an Indiana stadium option. What remains unclear is how much detail team executives plan to reveal in Thursday's update.
ABC7 Chicago is getting a special chance to sit down one-on-one with Chairman and Owner George McCaskey after the announcement.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE |Bears expected to give stadium update as Indiana officials express confidence in Hammond site
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Indiana leaders remain optimistic, with Gov. Mike Braun saying his administration is in weekly contact with the team.
A crew conducted soil testing Wednesday at one of several Hammond sites under consideration for a new stadium complex.
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott said the activity reflects the team's ongoing evaluation.
"And I do know there's extensive testing going on. Even right now, I had one of the local businesses in the new footprint call me and say, 'Hey, they're boring holes currently.' So that's the issue of the day between us and the Bears," he said.
Tire tracks and utility flags were visible in a marshy area near the Wolf Lake Terminal, where additional testing took place earlier this summer.
"It's going to be one of the biggest things that's ever occurred to our state, not to mention the region. So we're doing everything you need to do to make sure we get it done," Braun said.
RELATED |Chicago Bears consider new stadium sites in Hammond as IL Republican lawmakers make new proposals
McDermott said he was told the Bears plan to make an announcement Thursday.
The highly anticipated announcement will likely be made around noon during the team's press availability during training camp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest.
"I was told from the Bears, that there would be an announcement," he said. "But maybe, I'm not presuming anything. I'm hopeful it's going to be good news."
Team sources downplayed the significance of the update, describing it as the Bears' usual pre-season availability with Chairman George McCaskey and President Kevin Warren.
Meanwhile, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch said discussions continue on the Illinois side of the border.
"I do not believe there will be a special session for the Bears," Welch said. "Our goal is to continue to have the conversations, get to something substantive. And if we can get that done, it would be done in veto session."
Although the Bears originally planned to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights, after buying Arlington Park in 2023, Illinois lawmakers never approved a bill to help them do so.
With site testing still underway in Hammond, the Bears appear to be seriously weighing an Indiana stadium option. What remains unclear is how much detail team executives plan to reveal in Thursday's update.
ABC7 Chicago is getting a special chance to sit down one-on-one with Chairman and Owner George McCaskey after the announcement.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE |Bears expected to give stadium update as Indiana officials express confidence in Hammond site
Continue reading...
