Chicago Bears to advance stadium project in Indiana
(The Center Square) – The Chicago Bears are moving forward with plans to build a stadium in Northwest Indiana.
Bears Chairman George McCaskey and President & CEO Kevin Warren said Friday that the team’s board of directors voted on Thursday to advance their 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,” McCaskey and Warren said in a statement.
The announcement comes four days after the Illinois legislature adjourned without advancing stadium bills.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun asked Hoosiers to help him welcome the Bears.
“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,” Braun said in a social media post.
On Feb. 26, Braun signed legislation creating a framework for a new Bears stadium in Hammond. Indiana Senate Bill 27 provides for a 1% food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties, a 5% hotel tax in Lake County, a 12% ticket tax and the capture of new property taxes at the development.
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said Illinois focused on the needs of working families and 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,” Welch said in a statement.
A spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the announcement is not surprising.
“It’s also not surprising that Bears officials have stated this vote does not mean a move to Hammond is a done deal,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
The mayor’s office said the city will continue to engage in discussions until there are shovels in the ground in Hammond.
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Will County Committee Hits Brakes on License Plate Reader Agreements Awaiting Privacy Policy Review
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for May 5, 2026
Pittsburgh nurses lead charge for paid leave, for everyone
Existing-home sales edge up in April as affordability improves
Accused correspondents’ dinner shooter pleads not guilty to all charges
Illinois Quick Hits: Diesel passes $6; unleaded price drops
U.S. Senate panel to examine fertilizer costs, food prices
Green Garden Solar Project Cleared to Implement Higher “Agrivoltaic” Standards
Everyday Economics: Stable but weak under the surface
Committee: Facilities Department Reports $92,000 in Energy Savings, Completes Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout
Lemont Pulls Away from Lincoln-Way West in 10-3 Non-Conference Defeat
Nebraska voters to elect party representatives
