Chicago Bears’ Potential Move to Hammond Gains Momentum

As the Chicago Bears prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings in their 2026 home opener at Soldier Field, the occasion marks the start of their 55th season at this historic location. There’s a possibility it might be the final one. The Bears have announced plans to develop a stadium across state lines in Hammond, Indiana. Although discussions regarding this move occurred in the late 1990s, they weren’t seen as serious back then.

Serious Discussions on Relocation

Today, the discussions appear far more serious. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. has remarked that, while his city has sought preparation, the prospect of Hammond becoming the Bears’ new home was unexpected.

McDermott stated, “We did a lot of things in Hammond and in Indiana to prepare us for this day. But I’d be lying to you if I told you I thought we’d be the future home of the Chicago Bears.”

Preparations in Hammond

The Bears reviewed the Lost Marsh site and Lake Terminal site in Hammond, both identified through clean-up efforts in the region. McDermott recalled, “The site we’re talking about was underutilized and thought improbable for a stadium because it belonged to many owners. It was old-fashioned thinking.”

Through cooperation with the state government, Hammond acquired and cleared land, amassing around 300 acres of prime development space. Despite these efforts, a relocation was not initially considered. “We wanted to improve the quality of life,” McDermott noted.

Attractive Tax Benefits

Indiana’s property tax caps are beneficial for the Bears, as McDermott pointed out, “In Indiana, tax certainty is constitutionally enshrined. These caps are of interest to the Bears, who can’t get the same certainty in Illinois.”

Regional Investment and Cooperation

Heather Ennis, president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, mentioned substantial economic growth in the region, noting a $30 billion investment in recent months. The Bears’ potential move isn’t included in this figure.

“We’re a $52 billion regional economy,” Ennis expressed, highlighting strategic investments without considering the Bears’ plans.

Hammond has seen unprecedented bipartisan effort regarding this project. “Federal, state, Republican, and Democratic lines, everybody’s working in coordination,” McDermott said.

Benefits of Relocation

Indiana’s infrastructure is well established due to its proximity to Lake Michigan. The region’s utilities and transportation systems provide an advantageous setting for such a large endeavor.

While Arlington Heights, Illinois, faces infrastructure challenges, Hammond is well placed with existing highways, rail lines, and substantial utility infrastructure.

“There’s $600 million in infrastructure improvements included around the proposed stadium footprint,” McDermott stated.

Hammond as the Bears’ New Home

Chicago Bears will remain their name regardless of relocation prospects, confirmed by Bears chairman George McCaskey.

McDermott reiterated, “The Chicago Bears will always be the Chicago Bears.”

While Soldier Field remains their current location, the lease runs through 2033, but can be terminated early for a fee.

Negotiation Status

According to McDermott, using a football analogy, discussions are in the “red zone.” He admitted, “It’s difficult to score from the red zone, and the ball is in Bears President Kevin Warren’s and Mr. McCaskey’s court.”

Both Ennis and McDermott are optimistic about the successful realization of the project. “Indiana would benefit from the Bears locating here, and it’s a cooperative endeavor,” Ennis concluded.