Chicago Bears Signal Possible Move to Hammond as Indiana Committee Unanimously Advances SB 27
Indiana lawmakers moved a stadium bill forward while the chicago bears issued a fresh statement about stadium planning, prompting surprise from Illinois officials and the cancellation of an Illinois committee hearing. The developments sharpen a regional tug-of-war over where a potential new stadium could be built and leave key decisions tied to site due diligence.
Chicago Bears statement frames next steps as Indiana advances SB 27
The chicago bears released a statement framing the passage of SB 27 as the most meaningful step yet in stadium planning and said the team is committed to finishing remaining site-specific due diligence to support a vision for a world-class stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond, Indiana. The team expressed appreciation for state leadership in establishing a framework to negotiate a possible public/private partnership and said it values the developing relationship with Indiana officials as planning continues.
What SB 27 would change and how Hammond is pitching the project
Legislators voted unanimously in a Ways and Means Committee to push SB 27 forward. The amendment would create a Northwest Indiana Stadium authority similar to an existing sports facilities authority structure in Illinois, a step lawmakers say could convince the team to cross the state line. Lawmakers outlined a financing plan that includes new food, beverage, and innkeepers taxes in Indiana's northwest counties to help pay for stadium and infrastructure, and they indicated the team would contribute a substantial portion of construction costs.
- Creation of a Northwest Indiana Stadium authority as the bill’s central mechanism.
- New local taxes on food, beverage and lodging proposed to fund infrastructure and debt.
- Lawmakers stated the team would cover a significant share of construction costs.
- Site near Wolf Lake in Hammond identified as a promising location contingent on due diligence.
Local leaders, governors and fan reaction
Hammond city leadership framed the city as ready to partner and willing to do what it takes to make a stadium project successful, noting Hammond’s ties to the broader Chicagoland region. The Indiana speaker highlighted ongoing conversations with the team and described the relationship as a foundation for a public/private partnership focused on stadium construction. The Indiana governor said the state is open for business and described the amendment as establishing a broad framework to complete negotiations, contingent on site due diligence proceeding smoothly.
In Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker expressed surprise and disappointment after the team's statement, noting recent extended discussions between his team and the club. An Illinois committee hearing was canceled amid the developments. Reactions among fans were mixed: some voiced strong opposition to a move out of state while others emphasized the significance of the potential new venue for the wider region.
Immediate implications and what to watch next
The next phase centers on site-specific due diligence and negotiations under the framework SB 27 sets out; the amendment conditions progress on smooth completion of that work. Practical steps to monitor in the coming weeks include completion of environmental and logistical assessments for the identified site, resolution of tax and funding mechanisms tied to the proposed local levies, and continued engagement between team representatives and both state governments. Any final decision will depend on those assessments and the outcome of further legislative action in Indiana and Illinois.
Recent updates indicate the situation remains in motion and details may evolve as due diligence and negotiations proceed.
