Bears chairman confirms progress on Hammond stadium plans
Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey said the franchise is progressing with site studies for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, while the team remains at Soldier Field. Earlier, owner George McCaskey had affirmed the club would retain the Chicago Bears name even if the stadium moved to Hammond, and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell met with a group of Illinois lawmakers about the project. Team president Kevin Warren said the primary focus remains building a stadium in Hammond, though talks with Illinois continue, and he later reiterated that Hammond is the top priority.
The Bears board voted to advance the Hammond project after Illinois legislative efforts to keep the team stalled. Mayor Tom McDermott reported that the Bears told him an announcement was scheduled for, and executives were set to provide a stadium update with Indiana officials expressing confidence in the Hammond site.