Chicago Bears Consider Stadium Move to Northwest Indiana

The Chicago Bears have initiated plans to develop a new stadium in Northwest Indiana following the impasse reached in Illinois over financial incentives for the project. On Thursday, the Bears’ board of directors approved moving forward with a development project in Hammond, Indiana. Although the team has been examining land near Wolf Lake, no specific site has been chosen yet.

In a statement attributed to Chairman George McCaskey and Team President Kevin Warren, the Bears expressed a vision for the Hammond stadium project: “A world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to areas through the Loop and beyond the city.” Such a development, they believe, will unite regions and provide new opportunities to residents and businesses.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed support for the team’s announcement. A committee in the Indiana House of Representatives had earlier passed a bill creating a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to handle financing, construction, and leasing duties for the stadium. Braun stressed the economic benefits expected from having an NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana.

The Bears, an original NFL franchise established as the Decatur Staleys in 1920, moved to Chicago in 1921. They played at Wrigley Field before moving to Soldier Field in 1971. Their lease at Soldier Field extends through 2033, though an early termination is possible with a fee. Hammond is roughly 20 miles from the team’s current lakefront stadium.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker remains open to finding a taxpayer-friendly solution to retain the Bears in the state. However, a long-standing debate over stadium location has hindered progress. As recent as May 21, the Bears considered only Hammond and Arlington Heights as potential sites, while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson advocates for keeping the team within the city.

Despite options, an Illinois Senate bill permitting local stadium authorities in Arlington Heights and Chicago to bypass property taxes was not taken up by the House. State Rep. Kam Buckner mentioned ongoing conversations with Warren about keeping the Bears in Illinois.

The team had agreed to purchase 326 acres in Arlington Heights in September 2021, a deal finalized in 2023. Plans for a $5 billion enclosed stadium that accommodates major sports events were unveiled for this location. However, the focus shifted to developing a new site near Soldier Field after Warren became team president.

Frequent changes have marked the Bears’ search for a stadium. By May 2025, the team cited significant advances with Arlington Heights but began reconsidering Northwest Indiana due to ongoing negotiations and potential public funding worth $855 million in Illinois.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. described Hammond as a city ripe with opportunity, making it an apt choice for the Bears’ investment.