Chicago Bears Signal Possible Move as Indiana Committee Unanimously Advances Hammond Stadium Bill

The Chicago Bears have signaled a shift toward Hammond, Indiana, after Indiana legislators unanimously voted to push a stadium bill out of a key committee, and team leaders characterized the measure as a meaningful step in stadium planning. The development has prompted surprise from Illinois officials and strong reactions from fans on both sides of the state line.

Chicago Bears and Indiana committee action

Legislators voted unanimously to advance a proposal out of the Ways and Means Committee that would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium authority, a structure described as similar to Illinois' existing sports facilities authority. The amendment to Senate Bill 27 was framed as putting forward a framework for negotiating a final deal, contingent on site due diligence proceeding smoothly.

The proposal includes new food, beverage, and innkeepers taxes in northwest Indiana counties to help finance the stadium and related infrastructure. Lawmakers said the Chicago Bears would pay $2 billion toward construction costs. The Bears released a statement describing the passage of SB 27 as the most meaningful step forward in their stadium planning efforts to date and said they are committed to finishing the remaining site-specific due diligence to support their vision of a stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond.

Political reaction and local officials

Indiana officials expressed strong support for the initiative. The state governor framed the effort as welcoming major opportunities and identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond. Hammond's mayor said the city is ready to partner with the team and would do whatever it takes to help make the project a success, noting Hammond's position within the broader Chicagoland region. The state House speaker described ongoing conversations with the team as the foundation for a public/private partnership aimed at constructing a world-class stadium.

Illinois' governor described the Bears' statement as a surprise and expressed disappointment after lengthy discussions had taken place with the team. He said his administration had completed extensive talks and had largely agreed on a bill that would move forward, but that the team had asked for adjustments before proceeding.

Fan reaction and community stakes

The potential for a move prompted vocal responses from fans. One fan declared, "No, I don't want to see the Chicago Bears leave Illinois, " while another said, "If they were to actually move to Hammond, Indiana, they would be dead to me. " Those reactions underscore the local and regional stakes of a relocation scenario and the emotional ties surrounding the franchise's identity.

What comes next

• Site-specific due diligence by the team remains a stated prerequisite to advancing a final agreement.
• The bill advanced out of committee; additional legislative steps are implied before implementation of the proposed stadium authority and tax changes.
• Public debate and political maneuvering in both Indiana and Illinois are likely to continue as stakeholders weigh economic and civic impacts.

This is a developing story; details may evolve as due diligence proceeds and legislative actions continue.