Bears say they have ‘exhausted’ Chicago stadium options

The Bears put out a statement Thursday saying they have “exhausted every opportunity to stay in Chicago,” adding there is no “viable site in the city.” They added the only sites under consideration are those in Arlington Heights, Ill., and Hammond, Ind. A spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson‘s office said that the Bears had recent meetings with Chicago’s Corporation Counsel regarding the “terms for a new lakefront stadium.” Johnson has been “pushing for the Bears to consider staying in Chicago,” clashing with Ill. Gov. JB Pritzker, who favors “helping the Bears move to Arlington Heights” rather than losing them to Indiana. Johnson “dismissed” the proposed Hammond stadium site as “unviable.” He also said that there is “no plan in place for Arlington Heights.” He remains “eternally hopeful for Chicago” (ABC7CHICAGO.com, 5/21).