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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Lawsuit demands Pritzker’s office release docs over pic with criminal
Pritzker announces bond expansion, says progress has been made with Bears
Illinois Quick Hits: Statewide bag tax proposed
Lawmakers join Chicago Teachers Union to push for more school funding
Illinois proposal makes businesses financially liable for climate change
Illinois unemployment rate tops national average; state ends 2025 with fewer jobs
Illinois Quick Hits: Iowa wants Illinois’ counties
County Authorizes Financial Study of Homer Glen Law Enforcement Contract
Will County Public Works Debates Future Bridge Needs as 159th Street Closure Looms
Capital Imp Committee: Veterans Assistance Commission Set to Move into New Facility
Capital Imp Committee: Health Dept Elevator Repair Costs Significantly Lower Than Estimates
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District for December 18, 2025
