What happened: Chairman George H. McCaskey spoke Thursday as the Bears evaluate Hammond locations for a stadium and mixed-use development. The board voted in June to advance an Indiana project after Illinois lawmakers declined to pass stadium tax legislation.
Why it matters: A Hammond move would take the franchise’s home games out of Illinois after 106 years while preserving its Chicago identity. The commitment removes one branding question as the club weighs its site and financing options.
By the numbers: The Bears have pledged $2 billion in team funding toward the project and are evaluating two Hammond sites.
What to watch: Site selection and financing terms are the next major decisions. Arlington remains an alternative if the Indiana plan stalls.