HAMMOND, Ind. -- New details in the border battle for the Chicago Bears.
Thursday, Indiana state lawmakers gave preliminary approval for a new stadium district in Hammond for a domed stadium to lure the historic franchise to northern Indiana.
Indiana currently has one professional football team, but in the near future, that could be a thing of the past.
"The San Francisco 49ers play in Santa Clara, right? The Dallas Cowboys play in Arlington, the Kansas City Chiefs just moved to Kansas City, Kansas, right? I think that's the biggest obstacle that the Bears are facing right now is, are we comfortable with making our mailing address Hammond, Indiana? Think once they get over that, and once they see all the advantages that Indiana offers, I think the decision is going to be an easy one,” said Hammond mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.
Hammond’s mayor addressing questions and comments from reporters and Hammond residents about the potential move for the Bears.
There is no specific location yet, but the possible plan puts the Monsters of the Midway near Wolf Lake, about 20 miles Southeast of Soldier Field.
One lifelong Bears fan from South Bend told ABC57 while he understands the irritation of those who live north of Soldier Field, this can be huge for fans in Indiana, and especially those in St. Joseph County.
“They’re going to be sold out, those are tough tickets and I think if you’re a loyal Bear fan, you’re going to be there. If it’s a half hour longer for the people in Chicago, they’re still going to come. We're really excited about it,” Daniel Morrow, a lifelong Bears fan from South Bend.
An Illinois legislation meeting was scheduled for Thursday morning to discuss the Bears stadium situation but was canceled.
The Bears released a statement Thursday.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.
We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe."
In addition, Indiana Senator Ryan Mishler of Mishawaka sent a statement to ABC57.
“I appreciate the collaboration with the Chicago Bears' leadership team as we've explored the possibility of the Bears moving to Indiana. The House committee passage of SB 27 brings us one step closer in the process, and I look forward to continuing to foster our working relationship with them as we demonstrate why Indiana would be a great place for the Bears.”