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Bears’ Stadium Hunt Takes Unexpected Turn, Indiana Rolls Out the Welcome Mat
The Chicago Bears’ quest for a new stadium has taken a significant leap forward, potentially shifting their focus across state lines to Northwest Indiana. Indiana lawmakers have unanimously approved a key amendment, paving the way for the storied franchise to consider building a new, domed stadium in Hammond.
On Thursday, the Indiana State House Ways and Means Committee gave a 24-0 nod to an amendment to Indiana State Bill 27. This legislative move would establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, granting it the power to issue bonds, acquire land, and finance the construction of a new sports venue.
“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date,” the Bears stated, expressing their commitment to “finishing the remaining site-specific necessary due diligence to support our vision to build a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana.” The team also extended their appreciation to Indiana Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler, and the Indiana General Assembly for “establishing this critical framework and path forward.”
The proposed Wolf Lake site, which straddles the Illinois-Indiana border along Interstate 90, is approximately 25 minutes south of Soldier Field, on Chicago’s southeast side and within Hammond.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun took to social media, proclaiming, “Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears.” He highlighted the “promising site near Wolf Lake” and the established framework for negotiations, emphasizing the state’s “quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers.”
This development comes as the Bears had been seeking legislative assistance in Illinois to negotiate property tax payments. The team had previously committed to a $2 billion investment for a stadium in Arlington Heights, Illinois, but sought an estimated $850 million in public funding for essential infrastructure. However, an anticipated hearing on this Illinois legislation was abruptly canceled on Thursday.
A spokesperson for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed surprise, noting that “Illinois was ready to move this bill forward” and that the Bears had requested a pause on the hearing to make further adjustments to the bill. “This morning, we were surprised to see a statement lauding Indiana and ignoring Illinois,” the spokesperson added.
The Bears currently play at Soldier Field, a venue owned by the City of Chicago, with their lease set to expire in 2033.