06/17/2026
I know there's a lot of negative talk about the Bears moving to Hammond. And as someone who regularly drives those roadways myself, I have absolutely no idea how the traffic would ever work. Unless the plan includes ferries, helicopters, or some sort of Star Trek transporter, I admit I'm stumped.
But as a Region girl and the daughter of a proud steelworker, I can't help but think what an incredible gift this could be to a very special place.
First, can we put to bed the idea that Hammond is somehow "too far" from Chicago?
Hammond is essentially the same distance from Millennium Park as Mount Prospect and which makes it even closer than Arlington Heights. We grew up living and dying with Chicago sports, listening to Chicago radio, and watching Chicago news. I know this should be obvious, but someone once asked me why I didn't root for the Colts. Apparently, geography occasionally requires clarification.
Living on the Indiana side of the state line never made us any less Chicago. In fact, much of Northwest Indiana is closer to downtown Chicago than plenty of communities in Lake County, DuPage County, McHenry County, Aurora, or Elgin. You get the idea.
That's why I bristle a little when people talk about the Region as if it's somehow outside the conversation. The Region is filled with proud, hardworking, blue-collar families. Steelworkers. Teachers. Nurses. Small business owners. People who built things, fixed things, and showed up every day. The history and character of Northwest Indiana are woven into the same fabric that makes Chicago what it is.
And for the record, I love the Bears.
Our family watched every game together, usually with a sack full of White Castles and enough pop to keep us awake through the fourth quarter. Today, I could practically ride my bike to Arlington Park, so believe me, I understand the appeal of that location.
But sometimes it's worth looking beyond our own backyard.
A Bears stadium in Hammond would be transformational for Northwest Indiana. It would bring investment, jobs, energy, and pride to a region that has spent generations contributing to Chicago's story without always being invited into the spotlight.
So if that's where the Bears ultimately land, I'll be happy for the Region.
And let's be honest: most of us are going to watch the games from our living rooms anyway.
Bear Down.
PS - save any and all negativity. We all want the same things - superbowls, happiness, health and gratitude.
