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.
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Will County Public Works Committee Approves Over $1.1 Million in New Agreements for 80th Avenue Project
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for August 5, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for August 5, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for August 7, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for August 7, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for August 7, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for August 5, 2025
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for August 5, 2025
Texas House sues six Democrats absconding in California
With antisemitism on the rise, a glimmer of hope at Jewish delis
‘Exactly what we need’: First expedited coal lease advances
In six months, ICE arrests 350 gang members in Houston
