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.
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Former sheriff’s deputy guilty in Massey murder; appeals court intervenes in Bavino case
WATCH: Warnings of higher IL property taxes heard as pension bill advances
Top-selling automaker confirms U.S. investment, but no details yet
Fentanyl poised to take center stage during Trump, Xi meeting
‘Outrageous’: Lawmakers bash Biden admin for targeting, surveilling 156 Republicans
WATCH: Cruz calls on House to impeach federal judge over subpoenas of Republicans
WATCH: Pritzker declares agricultural trade ‘crisis’ while Trump touts new deals
Amnesty International condemns U.S. strikes on suspected drug boats
‘Astonishingly reckless:’ IL Dems intro tax on ‘unrealized gains’ to fund transit
Illinois beef producers say Trump’s Argentina beef plan hurts farmers
WATCH: Expect tax and fee increases for veto; Democrats want more sanctuary policies
Illinois quick hits: Bailey family announces memorial services; digital currency scam losses
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Frankfort Board for October 20, 2025
