Much like the Yankees in baseball, the Bears are synonymous with the city they’re located in.

However, it seems like that may be coming to an end, as the Bears have announced their intent to leave Chicago for Hammond, Indiana after the board of directors voted to advance its stadium project.

The Hammond location is actually closer to the city of Chicago than the Arlington Heights property, but it’s not in Illinois, which will piss off a lot of people in Illinois… and outside of it.

The potential stadium site is adjacent to the Indiana Toll Road, Cline Avenue and U.S. 41, which becomes Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. It’s also near the South Shore commuter rail line that connects Northwest Indiana to Chicago.

The Bears’ lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033, but the team can buy its way out of the lease, according to the Chicago Tribune. The franchise’s inaugural season — then known as the Decatur Staleys — was in 1920.

They have played at Soldier Field since 1971.

Bears chairman George McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren have issued the following statement.

“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.” 

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun issued the following statement.

“Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state!

We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the ’85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before.

Thank you to Speaker Huston, the legislature, and Mayor McDermott for their partnership. I also want to thank the entire Chicago Bears organization for their partnership and commitment in making this move a reality.

Welcome to Indiana!”

Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch released the following statement and said:

“Illinois has focused on the needs of working families who want relief at the gas pump, at the store, and on their insurance bills—not taxpayer-funded stadiums.”

In April, the House passed an economic development package that was the product of extensive negotiation with the Bears and other stakeholders. That bipartisan legislation reflected our belief that we can incentivize statewide development and provide property tax relief for working people.

While Indiana is willing to raise taxes and promise $1 billion in taxpayer funds, Illinois has focused on the needs of working families who want relief at the gas pump, at the store, and on their insurance bills—not taxpayer-funded stadiums.

Illinois remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois. However, it will take time to get it right.”