Illinois leaders, fans across Chicago area react after Bears advance Hammond, Indiana stadium plans

Illinois leaders and fans across the Chicago area are reacting Friday after the Chicago Bears' Board of Directors voted to advance the stadium development in Hammond, Indiana .

Illinois political leaders are facing renewed pressure after the Chicago Bears issued their strongest statement yet signaling they are serious about leaving Soldier Field for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

Gov. JB Pritzker and legislative leaders say they are willing to work with the team, but questions remain about whether they can agree on a plan - and whether they can act quickly enough - to keep the Bears in Illinois.

The Bears' announcement comes after the Illinois House and Senate passed separate stadium proposals that failed to win support in the opposite chamber. The legislative session ended without a deal, prompting the team to announce it is pursuing a site in Hammond.

While no move has been finalized, a league source says it is not a done deal. That leaves a narrow opening for Illinois, with Arlington Heights still seen as a possible option if lawmakers can act swiftly.

Senate President Don Harmon said in a statement, "We are ready and willing to re-engage with the Chicago Bears when they realize Illinois will always be the best place for them."

House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch echoed that position, saying, "Illinois remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears in Illinois. However, it will take time to get it right."

Sports business analyst Marc Ganis, president of Sports Corp. Ltd., said the situation is still fluid.