Indiana Legislators Commended by Bears for Advancing Stadium Proposal
The Chicago Bears have lauded the recent progress made by Indiana legislators in establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This initiative marks a pivotal development in the team’s ongoing negotiations for a new stadium site outside of Illinois.
Details of the Stadium Authority Legislation
On Thursday, the Indiana Legislature amended Senate Bill 27. This bill empowers the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to:
- Acquire land for stadium construction
- Finance improvements for the venue
- Engage in leases with private entities, including the Bears
A spokesperson for the Bears expressed gratitude for the support received from Indiana’s Governor Mike Braun and the state lawmakers. The spokesperson noted, “The legislation presented by the State of Indiana is a significant milestone in our discussions around a potential stadium development in Chicagoland’s Northwest Indiana region.”
Recent Developments and Site Tours
This announcement comes as the Bears continue their exploration of Northwest Indiana as a viable option for a new stadium. Over the weekend, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell participated in site tours alongside Bears chairman George McCaskey and president/CEO Kevin Warren. These tours included inspections of:
- The Arlington Heights property
- Potential locations near Wolf Lake in Hammond
- Sites adjacent to the Hard Rock Casino in Gary
Governor Braun’s Encouragement
During his recent State of the State address, Governor Braun remarked on the growing interest in Indiana as a business-friendly location. He stated, “It is not surprising that another organization has noticed that Indiana is open for business — the Chicago Bears.” This sentiment underscores the state’s willingness to attract major sports franchises.
Fan Engagement and Future Considerations
In a bid to gauge fan interest in a potential new stadium, the Bears distributed a survey to season-ticket holders, asking about the prospect of a dome located “approximately 20 miles from Chicago” in Indiana. This survey follows a similar effort initiated during the team’s previous considerations for Arlington Heights.
Moreover, the team mentioned its openness to Indiana locations, with Kevin Warren indicating that they have been informed by Illinois state leadership that their project would not receive prioritization in 2026.
