The Chicago Bears’ stadium saga has taken yet another intriguing turn, but fans are not convinced.

While the team has yet to finalize a decision, reports suggested that the Bears could move to Indiana. According to Bears insider Ben Devine, the organization is evaluating a significantly larger area around Wolf Lake in northwest Indiana. 

Devine reported that preliminary testing has already been conducted across several parts of the land, as well as early plans outlining a stadium footprint.

Roughly 110 acres will be dedicated to the stadium and parking facilities, while the rest of the reported 500 acres in total could be used for restaurants, hotels, retail spaces, and additional parking.

Devine also reported that Indiana Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young have been in discussions about acquiring the land for the stadium, which is currently federally owned by the Department of Defense. 

The Bears are still weighing all their possible options for a stadium after deciding to leave Arlington Heights during the offseason. However, much of their attention has been towards moving to Indiana due to the stadium legislation troubles in Illinois.

Yet, the Bears do still have options within Illinois. Two options have come up with one coming from Springfield and the other option coming from the small village of McCook. 

Springfield is considered a top option due to the development of the area nearby, meanwhile the McCook’s accessibility due to the proposed area being in close proximity to major highways are also considered another major option.

While the Bears have not decided on any locations, Bears fans are not excited about the possible move to Indiana.

Fans react to possible Bears move to Indiana

While the organization could argue about an ambitious vision, most Bears fans were far from excited about the possible switch. Fans were quick to voice their displeasure on social media.

One fan questioned whether the proposed location offered much to get excited about.

“No one..and I mean no one is excited about this unless you live in Hammond lol hard to get excited about a toxic wasteland for a new stadium.”

Chicago's proposed stadium location in Hammond would be built on a sprawling slag heap and surrounded by hazardous waste sites and an oil refinery, as reported by the Chicago Tribune's Robert McCoppin.

Others turned the discussion towards the politics behind the move, arguing the franchise wouldn’t be exploring Indiana if lawmakers had done more to keep the team in-state.

“Let’s stop dancing around the issue. The Chicago Bears exploring a move out of Illinois is a direct result of the Democratic lawmakers and their failed policies. Forcing organizations to look elsewhere for opportunities. It’s nothing new, so why is everyone surprised?” another fan commented.

Meanwhile, one fan joked about the surrounding environment of the proposed sites, considering the industrial history and nearby environmental hazards.

“That’ll be sweet! I can take my kids for a walk to see the oil refinery, and if there’s time, the trailer park across the street!!! (fingers crossed 4x times)”

One fan also questioned and voiced his concerns about the environment and possible health concerns, as the Bears have already drilled into the ground to conduct soil tests.

“There is a 100% chance that site is contaminated heavily by all kinds of fun stuff. What they share is a different story,” read the comment.

Fans have made their feelings about the potential move clear, and if it happens, winning over the fan base could prove to be a difficult task.

What are your opinions on the location? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar