Bears expected to commit $2 billion to new stadium in Northwest Indiana

The Chicago Bears and the State of Indiana have moved one giant step closer to partnering on a massive stadium project near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Ind.

In a Ways and Means committee hearing in Indianapolis Thursday morning, Indiana Speaker of the House Todd Huston announced the Bears are willing to commit $2 billion to the project, while the rest would be funded with public money, similar to how Lucas Oil Stadium was funded. 

In a statement provided to CHGO, the Chicago Bears said: 

“The passage of SB 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We are committed 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. We appreciate the leadership shown by Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly in establishing this critical framework and path forward to deliver a premier venue for all of Chicagoland and a destination for Bears fans and visitors from across the globe. We value our partnership and look forward to continuing to build our working relationship together.”

Amended Indiana Senate Bill 27 passed 24-0 in the committee, and the only remaining hurdle appears to be actual agreement between Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and the Chicago Bears. 

In a statement released Thursday, Gov. Braun said: “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. If approved, the proposed amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly. 

“The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”

Wolf Lake straddles the Illinois-Indiana border. The Hegewisch neighborhood of Chicago is directly to the west. 

While progress was made in Indiana Thursday morning, an Illinois House Finance and Revenue committee hearing was canceled. 

The megaprojects bill that would potentially give the Bears the tax certainty they were seeking in Arlington Heights was on the agenda, but a source told CHGO early Thursday morning that the bill was not expected to be called on. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights. The Bears still own a 326-yard site in Arlington Heights (the former home of Arlington International Racecourse).

---

Thoughts from CHGO’s staff …

Adam Jahns: In a way, this feels unbelievable. Like, how did it reach this point? 

Then again, the Bears have been ready to build a new stadium for years now. 

They were ready when Ted Phillips was still team president. And they wanted to get shovels in the ground when Kevin Warren replaced Phillips. 

It’s fair to say that Warren had to learn how Illinois politics work. But Illinois’ politicians never seemed to really want to work with the Bears on their development, either. Illinois’ loss now looks like Indiana’s big gain. The Bears found an interested and motivated partner in the State of Indiana.

Patrick Norton: It’s a bit stunning that things never got ironed out with Arlington Heights over the last several legislative sessions in Illinois.

When the Bears purchased and closed on the 326-acre former site of Arlington International Racecourse back in 2023, the vision felt somewhat clear: build a football utopia and a surrounding entertainment center worthy of the league’s charter franchise.

Three years later, it’s still a possibility with land in Indiana, but across state lines as the pride and joy of Illinois heads for the border.

Greg Braggs Jr: As someone born, raised and living in Crown Point, Indiana, what would it mean for the Chicago Bears to move to the Region? Transformative. 

Northwest Indiana has always identified as Chicago to most people who live in the area. But never could I have imagined they’d put a $2 billion stadium there. It’s closer to Chicago than you’d think, too, with a view of the skyline and access to the lake.

We can all figure out the details for the first tailgate in my cul-de-sac when the time comes.

Updated at 9:30 a.m. to include reaction from Greg Braggs Jr.