The Chicago Bears moved closer to securing a new stadium deal Thursday as lawmakers in both Indiana and Illinois took significant steps forward on competing proposals to lure the NFL franchise.
In Indiana, state senators approved financing for a stadium and entertainment complex in Hammond, located in the state’s northwest region within the Chicago metro area. Governor Mike Braun quickly signed the legislation, which creates a stadium authority to oversee the project.
“We made it clear from the beginning that Indiana is open for business,” Braun posted on social media. “I’m thrilled to sign Senate Bill 27 to create the framework to build a new world-class stadium in Northwest Indiana. Now let’s get this across the goal line.”
Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers made their own move when a House committee approved legislation designed to reduce property tax burdens for a potential stadium development in Arlington Heights. This represents a significant change in Illinois’ approach, as previous attempts at similar “megaprojects” legislation had stalled in committee proceedings.
The Bears currently own property in the Arlington Heights area, where high property taxes have been the primary barrier to constructing a new facility.
However, uncertainty remains for the Illinois proposal, as it’s unclear whether the measure has sufficient support to pass when the full House reconvenes March 18.
Indiana’s plan also faces potential obstacles, with environmental assessments of the Hammond location near Wolf Lake still pending completion.
Despite these challenges, the Bears expressed satisfaction with the developments in both states.
“Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Gov. Braun signing SB27, establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana,” the team stated. “We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.”
The proposed Hammond site sits approximately 26 miles southeast of the Bears’ current home at Soldier Field, while Arlington Heights is roughly 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.
This situation mirrors recent developments with the Kansas City Chiefs, who decided earlier this year to abandon their Missouri stadium plans in favor of a new facility in Kansas, citing better revenue opportunities and shared funding arrangements that Missouri declined to offer.
The Bears have played at Soldier Field since 1971, with the exception of the 2002 season when they temporarily relocated to Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois in Champaign during Soldier Field’s major renovation.
