Bears Statement after Hammond Stadium Bill Moves Forward

The Chicago Bears released a statement Wednesday after Indiana lawmakers unanimously pushed SB 27 out of the Ways and Means Committee. A move the team said would be “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date.” The Bears said they 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 team added it values the partnership with state leaders as planning continues.

What SB 27 Would Do and Why It Matters for Bears Stadium Plans

Lawmakers voted Thursday morning to advance the bill. Which would create a Northwest Indiana Stadium authority similar to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. That authority is a key part of a package that could convince the Bears to cross the state line and build a new stadium in Hammond.

• Funding framework: The proposal calls for the Bears to contribute $2 billion toward construction costs.
• Local taxes: New food, beverage and innkeepers taxes in Indiana’s northwest counties are included to help pay for the stadium and related infrastructure.
• Leadership support: The Bears thanked Governor Braun, Speaker Huston, Senator Mishler and members of the Indiana General Assembly for establishing “this critical framework and path forward.”

Hammond’s mayor, Thomas McDermott Jr., told the committee Hammond “is ready to partner with the Chicago Bears” and described the city as “uniquely positioned” within the Chicagoland region to host a major sports venue.

Political Context: Illinois Option and State Talks

The Indiana push comes as Illinois hearings that might have helped keep the stadium in-state paused. An Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee meeting to consider the “Mega Project” bill was canceled Wednesday. It could offer the Bears a long-term property tax break for a proposed Arlington Heights stadium. No new date has been set for that hearing.

Meanwhile, Illinois Governor Pritzker said progress’s made toward keeping the project in Illinois. Pritzker, staff, and lawmakers have been meeting with Bears brass behind closed doors. Signaling ongoing negotiations even as Indiana’s bill clears a key committee.

Local and State Leaders Make the Case for Hammond

Speakers at Thursday’s hearing emphasized Hammond’s willingness to back the project and form a public-private partnership. Indiana Speaker of the House Rep. Todd Huston said discussions with the Bears have been “excellent.” And framed the stadium plan as a foundation for future cooperation. Mayor McDermott added Hammond would “do whatever it takes” to make the project a success.

If the plan moves forward, the new authority and tax measures would be instrumental in building the proposed Bears stadium near Wolf Lake. A development that would reshape the regional landscape and provoke debate about the team’s future location.

What’s Next for the Bears and Possible Move to Indiana

With SB 27 advancing, Indiana has cleared a major procedural hurdle that supporters hope will tip the scales toward a Hammond site. The Bears’ statement framed the bill as a critical step. And called for continued partnership as the team completes site-specific due diligence.

At the same time, canceled hearings in Illinois leave the door open for both states. Illinois officials say talks are ongoing. While Indiana lawmakers have set a legislative path that could make a move to Hammond, Indiana more likely if the Bears choose that route.

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