Chicago Bears signal shift as Indiana committee advances Hammond stadium bill
The chicago bears signaled a potential move to Hammond, Indiana, after Indiana legislators voted unanimously Thursday morning to push a stadium bill out of the Ways and Means Committee, a development that prompted surprise from Illinois officials and sharp reactions from fans.
Chicago Bears issue statement on SB 27
The team released a statement framing the amendment known as SB 27 as the most meaningful step forward in its stadium planning efforts to date and said it was committed to finishing site-specific due diligence near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond. The statement expressed appreciation for state leadership in establishing what the team described as a framework and path forward to deliver a venue for Chicagoland visitors and Bears fans.
Indiana lawmakers advance Hammond stadium framework
Legislators voted unanimously to move the bill out of the Ways and Means Committee. The proposal would create a Northwest Indiana stadium authority modeled on an Illinois state sports facilities authority and includes funding mechanisms intended to help cover construction and infrastructure costs. Lawmakers said the chicago bears would pay $2 billion toward construction costs, and the plan calls for new food, beverage and innkeepers taxes in northwest Indiana counties to support the project.
Indiana's governor described the state as open for business and identified a site near Wolf Lake as promising; an amendment to SB 27 was characterized as putting forward the essential framework to complete an agreement, contingent on site due diligence proceeding smoothly. Local officials participating in the hearing framed Hammond as ready to partner and emphasized regional ties to the Chicago area.
Illinois reaction and next steps
Illinois officials expressed surprise at the team's statement, and an Illinois committee hearing that had been expected to consider related matters was canceled. The Illinois governor said his team had recently held extensive discussions with the Bears and that the public statement came as a surprise after those talks. State leaders now face the choice of responding legislatively or through continued negotiation while the Indiana process advances.
On the procedural timeline, the next clear steps identified in the framework depend on completion of site-specific due diligence and any further legislative actions required in Indiana. If site due diligence proceeds smoothly, the amendment provides a pathway to finalize negotiations; if it does not, the framework would not be expected to move forward as outlined.
Fan reaction and political stakes
Reaction from fans at public gatherings was immediate and mixed. One fan described not wanting to see the team leave Illinois, invoking the franchise identity; another said that moving across the state line would sever personal allegiance. Local elected officials who spoke at the hearing argued Hammond would do what it takes to support the project and highlighted the potential for a public-private partnership centered on construction of a new stadium.
What to watch next
Key items to monitor are completion of the site-specific due diligence referenced in SB 27, any votes on the measure as it moves beyond committee, and whether Illinois lawmakers resume or reframe their own measures after the canceled hearing. The bill’s reliance on new local taxes and the team’s proposed $2 billion contribution make both fiscal details and negotiating milestones central to whether a final agreement can be achieved.
Key takeaways
- Indiana legislators voted unanimously to advance SB 27 out of committee.
- The chicago bears signaled commitment to finish due diligence for a Hammond site near Wolf Lake.
- Proposed funding includes a $2 billion team contribution and new regional taxes; Illinois they were surprised.
