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Bears Keep Hammond Option Public While Pressing Illinois Talks for New Stadium

Recent meetings and public pitches suggest the team is using Indiana readiness to press Illinois leaders for funding or approvals that would keep the club in-state.

Overview

  • The Chicago Bears remain undecided on a new home with Hammond, Indiana, publicly ready to host a stadium while the team continues to promote its Arlington Heights site in Illinois.
  • Reporting shows Bears stadium chief Karen Murphy held a meeting with Illinois Deputy Governor Andy Manar that included minority owner Pat Ryan, a development that highlights active talks with state officials.
  • Observers and coverage say the Hammond proposal is widely seen as leverage to win state support for an Illinois project rather than a final relocation plan.
  • Minority owner Pat Ryan’s visible role in recent discussions has drawn attention because team president and CEO Kevin Warren’s earlier efforts have not produced a settled plan.
  • A move would require state funding, land and infrastructure approvals and local buy-in, and Illinois lawmakers’ return in November could be a key moment for whether the Bears stay in-state or pursue Hammond.