Chicago Bears fans still hot over potential Indiana move
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Fans cheer before the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Soldier Field in January. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Chicago Bears fans are still seething over the Bears' decision to advance their stadium project in Indiana.
The latest: While it's not a done deal, the saga has turned political and lawmakers are quick to place blame.
- Gov. JB Pritzker said he's open to calling a special session for the Illinois legislature this summer to hammer out a tax incentive deal, also suggesting the Bears fumbled the negotiations
The other side (of the border): Indiana U.S. Sen. Jim Banks blasted Pritzker and Illinois Democrats, saying "their pattern of failed leadership was on full display."
Last week, we asked our readers to weigh in on whether or not they'd be upset if the team relocated to Hammond, Indiana.
Not surprisingly, we got 350 responses! Here are just a few of the fired-up comments:
- "I won't be following them to Indiana. I root for Chicago and Illinois teams only." — Janis J.
- "We hear, 'We love our loyal fans.' 'We can't do this without our loyal fans.' 'Our loyal fans are the best fans in the NFL.' We've been loyal to them — they can't be loyal to us?" — Jan H.
- "The lack of respect for fans with this move is palpable. I'll never go to another game if they leave the state. If the Bears turn their back on us, we turn our backs on them." — Mike W.
- "George Halas founded the team in Decatur a few years after playing for the University of Illinois. The team colors are orange and blue because of the U of I connection. They are the pride and joy of Illinois, not the bastard stepchild of some swamp across the state line." — Randall K.
- "I will no longer be a fan. I will cancel my Chicago Bears license plates and I will burn all my Bears gear. I am deeply offended that this team thinks money is more important than the fans who support it." — Michael D.
Not all fans are against it, or think a move across the border is a done deal:
- "I live in Northwest Indiana, and it will give the area a much-needed economic boost and make it much more convenient to attend a game." — Mike S.
- "The move to Indiana makes common sense and business sense. Everything is cheaper, especially gasoline. It's safer and less stressful." — Dennis D.
- "There are already 11 NFL teams that play in cities other than their namesake, including three in different states. Make it 12." — John S.
Readers are also mixed on who should take the blame:
- "This is solely on Illinois politicians. The Bears are requesting public infrastructure upgrades and a reasonable property tax rate." — Joe S.
- "The team and state officials did not spend enough time negotiating in good faith. They took each other for granted. Illinois fumbled this one big time." — Virginia S.
- "No other Chicago sports team has engaged as haphazardly or asked for the same volume of incentives as the Bears. It's frustrating to watch the back-and-forth. It shows how shortsighted this franchise is." — Rich G.
- "The City of Chicago threw in the towel from the start. What happened to the gumption and drive that delivered 'Best City in the U.S.' for nine consecutive years? The City of Big Shoulders should have the biggest can-do attitude in the country. Let's get it done." — Jim A.
While most fans were irate about the potential move, Debby remained calm.
- "As long as the team remains the Chicago Bears, I personally do not think it matters." — Debby P.