Leaders Announce Framework to Bring Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana

Senate Bill 27 would establish the northwest Indiana stadium authority.

The Chicago Bears have played at Soldier Field since 1971. Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - Could the state of Indiana soon have a second NFL team? 

Momentum is growing for the Chicago Bears to build a new world-class stadium in northwest Indiana. 

On Thursday, Governor Mike Braun, House Speaker Todd Huston, Sen. Ryan Mishler, and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott announced the framework to build a new stadium at Wolf Lake in Hammond, about 23 miles southeast of Chicago. 

The leaders urge the Indiana House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 27, which establishes the northwest Indiana stadium authority. The proposed legislation passed out of committee on Thursday. 

“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. The amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly,” said Gov. Braun.

The Chicago Bears have committed over $2 billion towards stadium development. The original proposal was for the stadium to be built in the Arlington Heights neighborhood of Chicago, requiring zero state money for construction. Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren said in December, "we have been told directly by State leadership, our project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it will bring to Illinois. Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana."

Under Senate Bill 27, Indiana would contribute financially through bonds issued to support stadium construction. 

Why are the Bears leaving historic Soldier Field?

"To remain competitive in the NFL today—both on and off the field—the Chicago Bears must provide a world-class experience that meets the expectations of modern fans, players, and partners. Soldier Field, while iconic, no longer offers the infrastructure, accessibility, or amenities required to deliver that standard.

A new modern, fixed roof stadium with ample public transportation and parking would be great for our fans and yield long-term, 365-day a year economic benefits for the State of Illinois that Soldier Field cannot deliver.

A new fixed roof stadium would also allow Chicago and the State of Illinois to compete for mega events like the Super Bowl, Final Four, College Football Playoff games, and other global entertainment attractions. Chicagoland is currently unable to host any of these events without a large, world-class fixed-roof stadium."