One thing you can always count on in Chicago — when the conversation gets difficult, too many people fall back on fear, name-calling, and regional finger-pointing. That’s not leadership, and it’s not a good look for residents, fans, media, or elected officials.
The reality is this situation didn’t happen overnight. For decades, the relationship between the Bears and the city, county, and state has been managed poorly, while taxpayer dollars have continued to be stretched thin without long-term vision or accountability.
Whether the future stadium ends up in Arlington Heights, Hammond, or downtown Chicago, the bigger picture should matter most. The NFL is no longer just a regional league. It’s a global business, expanding markets, redefining fan bases, and creating new opportunities everywhere.
And instead of fighting over geography, Chicago should think strategically. The city, county, and state should work together to incentivize the Bears to move their practice facilities and football operations to the South Side of Chicago. Let Indiana shoulder much of the stadium burden financially while Chicago still benefits from jobs, tourism, visibility, and year-round economic impact.
More importantly, it would inject real investment, infrastructure, energy, and opportunity into neighborhoods that have been overlooked for far too long. That’s the kind of forward-thinking partnership great cities make.
Chicago should lead with confidence, vision, and partnership — not fear of change. Great cities compete. Great cities evolve. And great cities don’t lose their identity because progress happens beyond a zip code.
Cook County treasurer Maria Pappas: "My dead grandmother would have to come back to life for the Bears to go to Indiana. That is all BS, that they're going to Indiana. It is a toxic site. It is a toxic site."
@Chicago_NFL Do the math on Skyway tolls collected on game days… it’s the tip of the iceberg. For those that are not familiar, it’s a $8.10 toll each way from the City to Stadium site each game day.
IMO - It is the best option for Chicago, the fans and the club. The possibility of having a major tent pole for the South and Southeast sides, South suburbs and NW Indiana is a dream scenario to kick start visibility and growth for those areas. It’s the right thing to do and in today’s NFL the Bears getting from under the taxing bodies of Illinois, Chicago and Cook County is paramount to future success. Just do it already.
I can't stress what a revolution this was. You would order your baked potato with the toppings and then you could go to the SuperBar and fill it with more.
@patdnorton If the city, county, state and team can’t get together on stadium, I can promise you there is ZERO chance they have the stomach for the demands and fundraising that the NFL requires to host one of its events.
IMO - It is the best option for Chicago, the fans and the club. The possibility of having a major tent pole for the South and Southeast sides, South suburbs and NW Indiana is a dream scenario to kick start visibility and growth for those areas. It’s the right thing to do and in today’s NFL the Bears getting from under the taxing bodies of Illinois, Chicago and Cook County is paramount to future success. Just do it already.
@MarcHochman I can’t think of any two personalities that could be more different. I worked for Yormark and worked in the UM Athletic Department. Yormark is a brand guy and deal maker. IMO UM needs a strategist, visionary and fund-raiser. This will be fun to watch.
Hey @Publix 👀 100% love the new Brisket Subs! Bravo! With this kind of endorsement I am tossing my hat in the ring to be the Official Pitmaster of Publix
MIA is a mess. Not taking anything away from the good people that work hard everyday there. Every week a different escalator, elevator or bathroom is not working and covered/barricaded with a PR campaign that MIA is improving. All of this economic impact from Super Bowls, F1 and other global events for many years with no real change. Always the promise of something better coming….. The Mas bros built a full MLS stadium in two years. Put them in charge of MIA!
The big difference here is that Indiana lawmakers and residents want to do this and have governed to be in the right position if this opportunity ever opened up. Don’t kid yourself, if Illinois, City and County officials didn’t over spend in other areas they would be working on incentives as well. Hammond is the best site hands down as it spreads and roots economic impact and development towards the South and East sides. Hammond is closer, easier to get to and keeps the Bears on the lake… not to mention, they are wanted in Indiana, desired even, Illinois/Chicago acting like the Bears should stay in a relationship that doesn’t value the franchise.
Tell that to everyone from the burbs claiming to be from Chicago. Nobody cares - it doesn’t matter. The Chicago Bears if they move to Arlington OR NW Indiana will be named The Chicago Bears. If you want a case study, go ask a NY Jets or NY Giants fan where their stadium is… there are currently 5 NFL teams that do not play where their name suggests. Soon to be 6 once KC moves to Kansas….
Facts matter. They are currently five NFL franchises that play in cities not tied to their full name. Once Kansas City has moved that’ll make it six and the one NFL franchise that is in a different state although with the name of Kansas City it’s quite confusing….
I have two questions for you, David and genuinely interested in your response.
If you were Mayor or Governor, what would you do?
If you were owner of the Bears, what would you do?