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.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Finance Committee for March 3, 2026
Comptroller, state lawmaker call for federal tax credit scholarships
Jackson Township Board Approves Assessor’s Budget, Advances Electrical Pole Negotiations
Lincoln-Way West Softball Rolls to 4-0 with 9-0 Shutout Over Plainfield North
Early Offense, Stellar Pitching Lift Lincoln-Way West Past Wheaton North, 2-1
Lincoln-Way West Pitching Throws Perfect Three Innings in 15-0 Rout of Joliet West
Manhattan Township Residents, Officials Mobilize Against Proposed EarthRise Solar Farm
Six-Run Third Inning Propels Lincoln-Way West Softball Past Downers Grove South, 12-7
Pettit Homers, Four Pitchers Combine for Shutout as Lincoln-Way West Blanks Riverside-Brookfield, 9-0
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for March 10, 2026
Ad-Hoc Committee: Will County Sheriff’s Office to Acquire Decibel Meters for Noise Complaints
Will County Public Works Approves Access for 56-Acre Truck Services Hub on Manhattan-Monee Road
Crest Hill Homeowner Granted Side Yard Setback Variance for Accessible Addition
State Update: County Officials Raise Alarms Over Pritzker’s ADU Zoning Push and Data Center Tax Breaks