Not a done deal, but Bears make significant progress towards move to Indiana

HAMMOND, Ind. -- The Monsters of the Midway are turning their focus to a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana.

The team's board of directors reportedly voted Thursday night to advance the Hammond site, marking the first time the board has voted on any stadium location.

The Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren released the following statement.

"We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region 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."

The reaction to Friday's news from people in Hammond has been overwhelmingly positive, they are stoked at the idea of the Chicago Bears coming to town.

After the Illinois Senate session ended without a deal for a new stadium deal, the proverbial door has swung open for Indiana to make a serious play for the Monsters of the Midway.

To be clear, this is far from a done deal.

But Thursday, the Bears' board of directors met and voted to advance a stadium development project in Hammond, according to a statement released by the team.

ABC57 spoke to a bar employee in Hammond, who says bringing the Bears to the city would be huge for local businesses.

"I believe we'll probably draw in a pretty good crowd honestly, my opinion, I think it would kind of boost up a little bit, I understand the taxes and all that are probably going to go up for homeowners, and businesses, but I think in the long run, it would be a good thing. I think it would be a good thing, not just for this bar, but other bars around here as well," said Lolly Martinez, bartender at Pudlo's Tap.

Hammond mayor Tom McDermott also released.

"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."