The Chicago Bears announced that they are turning their attention to building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana after a breakdown at the Illinois Captiol which failed to pass legislation that would encourage the Bears to stay in the state. Here is the joint statement from Chairman George H. McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren:

"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. 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."

Hammond Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. also released a statement regarding the announcement:
"The Chicago Bears chose Hammond, Indiana because they see what I have said for years: Hammond is a successful city of opportunity and possibility, an excellent choice for such a significant investment. The city of Hammond and the entirety of Northwest Indiana will benefit from this transformative investment. I am proud to have partnered with our state leaders to secure this win; I'm grateful to Gov. Mike Braun, Speaker Todd Huston, Sen Ryan Mishler and our local legislators who pushed this deal over the goal line!"

Statement from Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson:
"Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, today's announcement is not surprising. It's also not surprising that Bears officials have stated this vote does not mean a move to Hammond is a done deal. Without a final site selection, until we see shovels in the ground in Hammond, the City of Chicago will continue to engage in discussions grounded in the interests of our residents.

This is this first time that the board has taken action and voted on any stadium site. It doesn't fully close the door on the Bears remaining in Illinois but this is a significant step towards the move across the border and puts pressure on the Illinois legislature to get something done quickly in order to stay in the race. The move will still need to go through all the NFL committee votes and full vote as well before anything is finalized.