The Chicago Bears are considering a new stadium in Northwest Indiana. A previous plan to incentivize building in Illinois faced delays in the state legislature. On Thursday, the Bears’ board decided to advance their proposal in Hammond, Indiana. The team has yet to specify a site near Wolf Lake.
An official statement from the Bears, attributed to chairman George McCaskey and president Kevin Warren, emphasized that a Hammond stadium would integrate Northwest Indiana with the South Side of Chicago. This development aims to benefit residents and businesses in the area.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed support for the announcement. A bill that allows the creation of a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority passed a state House committee in February. This authority would oversee financing and leasing the stadium.
In Braun’s view, the arrival of the Bears in Northwest Indiana could significantly boost the local economy. The Bears have been based in Illinois since their founding in 1920. Initially playing as the Decatur Staleys, they moved to Chicago in 1921, using Wrigley Field before relocating to Soldier Field in 1971.
The Bears have options to break their Soldier Field lease, valid until 2033, by paying a fee. Soldier Field is about 40 miles from Halas Hall, while Hammond is just 20 miles from the current stadium.
Matt Hill, representing Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, mentioned the governor’s willingness to find a taxpayer-friendly solution. Hill commented on the Bears’ frequent location shifts, which he says have stalled their progress. Recently, the Bears were also exploring Arlington Heights, 30 miles from Chicago, as a potential site.
Although a bill providing tax incentives for stadium development in Arlington Heights and Chicago passed the Illinois Senate, it failed in the House. This left the Bears’ Illinois plans uncertain. State Rep. Kam Buckner confirmed ongoing talks with Warren about staying in Illinois.
Despite Hammond and Arlington Heights remaining viable options, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson continues lobbying for the team to stay within city limits. Mayor Johnson has highlighted discussions based on residents’ interests.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated the team has kept the league updated on these developments. The Bears must still secure NFL approval for a new stadium location.
The Bears’ pursuit of a new home has faced challenges. In September 2021, they announced a $197 million land purchase agreement in Arlington Heights, finalized in 2023. Their initial $5 billion plan envisioned a multi-use stadium and entertainment district.
However, as Kevin Warren became team president in 2023, focus shifted back to Soldier Field and a potential Museum Campus project. This move received mixed reactions from Chicago’s leadership. By May 2025, reports surfaced of progress in Arlington Heights, but with ongoing tax discussions, the Bears are now closely considering Indiana.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. said the Bears picked Hammond due to its potential and capacity for significant investment.