Chicago Bears team president/CEO Kevin Warren made a bold move by brokering a deal for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. This could finally take the Bears out of Illinois for the first time in 106 years.
The Bears’ board of directors reportedly voted to move forward with plans for the new stadium. Warren was at the forefront of the new stadium search, comparing competitive proposals between Arlington Heights, Illinois, and northwest Indiana.
On Thursday, the Bears issued a joint statement to update fans about the stadium project.
“Yesterday, the Chicago Bears Board of Directors met and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected,” the statement read. “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.”
Bears analyst Ben Devine gave Warren a huge shout-out and defended him against those who want him gone. He wrote on X:
“For those who want Kevin Warren fired, here’s the reality: He just brokered the best stadium deal in modern sports history. He will be in massive demand, and this will be a huge benefit to him wherever he goes next. That’s the reality!”
Fans reacted to Devine’s shout-out, with several saying Warren needs to go.
“He used Indiana as leverage. It didn’t work so now he is forced with that option. Agree it’s a great deal but he backed in to it. It was not his plan. He should definitely be fired,” one fan wrote.
“So funny seeing all these IL government shills praising Pritzker as if he actually protected taxpayers by letting the Bears leave. All he did was lose a beloved historical franchise while also still keeping state taxes sky high. A lose/lose situation for bears fans,” another added.
“Warren just was there to make the corrupt grifting McCaskeys richer by getting them a free stadium some stupid taxpayers will pay for!” one fan wrote.
“exactly . people mad at him but his ‘ bosses ‘ love what he doing . its about fleecing as much as they can and he the face of it 🤣” one fan joked.
“Ben, stop carrying water for the owners. The fans of the Chicago Bears want him fired because he is destroying the legacy of one of the most historic franchises in North American sports. You should be ashamed for trying to justify this in any way,” one fan wrote.
“Disagree,” one fan remarked. “This is lining up to be a total boondoggle, and major embarrassment for the McCaskey family. There’s no way George is happy. Bottom line: warren is a liar, and tried power moves vs Illinois and the city, who called his bluff. Nevermore the pride and joy of Illinois.”
Inside Kevin Warren’s Bears Decision to Set Stadium in Indiana
Indiana’s bid for the new stadium in Hammond was further strengthened after Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring legislative session without finalizing a stadium financing package. The Bears hoped to keep the franchise in-state, but now that idea might be fading.
After the joint announcement by the Bears, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch acknowledged their priorities but said that efforts to keep the franchise in Illinois are still underway.
“In April, the House passed an economic development package that was the product of extensive negotiation with the Bears and other stakeholders. That bipartisan legislation reflected our belief that we can incentivize statewide development and provide property tax relief for working people,” Welch said.
“While Indiana is willing to raise taxes and promise $1 billion in taxpayer funds, Illinois has focused on the needs of working families who want relief at the gas pump, at the store, and on their insurance bills—not taxpayer-funded stadiums. Illinois remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois. However, it will take time to get it right.”
Indiana has reportedly offered the Bears up to $1 billion in incentives to relocate to Hammond. The new stadium will be set up in the entertainment district near Wolf Lake.
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