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Chicago Bears Move One Step Closer to Northwest Indiana
The Chicago Bears’ long-running stadium search moved closer to becoming reality in Northwest Indiana on Thursday, as state officials signaled Hammond as the preferred site and lawmakers advanced legislation designed to support construction of a new NFL stadium.
The shift comes as excitement around the franchise has surged following a strong season that included a playoff run and a postseason victory over division rival Green Bay, renewing fan energy across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana as stadium discussions intensify.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and legislative leaders have pointed to Hammond as the leading option while emphasizing that final decisions still depend on negotiations, due diligence by the Bears and passage of key state legislation.
“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,” the Bears said in a statement.
The announcement marks a turning point in months of regional competition that included a formal proposal from Gary offering multiple potential stadium sites and a financing framework city leaders said could rival options in Illinois.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said the state’s decision brings clarity but also disappointment after the city made what he described as a strong case.
“Today’s announcement that the State of Indiana has selected Hammond for the new Bears stadium marks a major shift for our region,” Melton said. “While Gary presented a compelling case, the State’s decision now sets the stage for a new chapter in Northwest Indiana.”
Melton said his primary concern is protecting previously committed funding, particularly innkeeper’s tax revenue designated for operations of the Lake County Convention Center in Gary.
“We must safeguard investments that support our long-term growth and stability,” he said.
He added that a stadium project in Hammond could still generate broader economic benefits across Northwest Indiana.
“Regional success benefits us all,” Melton said. “Gary is uniquely positioned to amplify this economic momentum.”
Hammond borders Gary, meaning a stadium built near Wolf Lake would sit minutes from the city. Local leaders have described the project as a potential economic boon for Northwest Indiana, with ripple effects extending beyond a single host city.
Chuck Hughes, president and CEO of the Gary Chamber of Commerce, said he was initially skeptical when rumors surfaced last year that the Bears might relocate to Gary but began to take the proposal more seriously after hearing the governor publicly support bringing the team to Indiana.
“Gary, we’re part of the region, and when good things happen for the region, it happens for all of us,” Hughes said. “Anything that happens good in the region is good for Gary.”
“There will likely be an impact on everyone in Northwest Indiana,” Hughes added.
Gary pitched sites before state opted for Hammond
Gary officials spent months pitching the Bears and state leaders on a proposal that included several potential stadium locations and new state-backed financing tools.
The city identified sites near Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, Buffington Harbor, and other development-ready parcels with highway, rail and airport access. Officials described them as “plug-and-play” options capable of moving quickly if selected.
The proposal gained traction after lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 27, legislation that would create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance and manage a professional sports venue.
Ultimately, state leaders signaled Hammond as the preferred site for continued negotiations, shifting the focus to land near Wolf Lake.
State legislation outlines financing and authority
Senate Bill 27 would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, a public body with the power to issue bonds, acquire land and support stadium construction and operation.
The proposal includes new food, beverage, and innkeeper’s taxes in Northwest Indiana counties to help fund construction and infrastructure. Lawmakers have said the Bears would contribute approximately $2 billion toward construction costs as part of a broader public-private partnership.
Braun framed the measure as a way to provide a clear path forward.
“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears,” Braun said in a statement, adding that the state has identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and is working toward a final agreement.
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston said during a legislative hearing Thursday that state leaders have had “excellent conversations” with the Bears and are building a relationship that could form the basis of a public-private partnership to construct a world-class stadium in Northwest Indiana.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. also spoke during the hearing. He said the city is ready to partner with the Bears and would do “whatever it takes” to make the project a success, calling Hammond uniquely positioned within the Chicagoland region.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell visited Northwest Indiana earlier this year and toured the Hammond site while in the area for the Bears-Packers playoff game.
Lawmakers must still finalize the stadium authority legislation. The Bears must complete site-specific due diligence and negotiate final financing and development terms.
The team has not announced a final stadium location.
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