Full Breakdown
Bears Board Advances Hammond Stadium Plan, Bringing Move Out of Illinois Closer
6/6/2026, 5:19:42 AM
Core Decision: Board Votes to Advance Hammond Stadium Project
On June 5 2026 the Chicago Bears’ board of directors voted to “advance” a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana. The vote marks the franchise’s first board decision on a specific site and signals a shift toward building a new home outside Illinois. The exact parcel—identified as a tract near Wolf Lake, close to the Indiana Toll Road and I-80/94—has not yet been selected.
Background & Context: Decade-Long Search and Legislative Stalemate
The Bears began a stadium search in 2021 by purchasing the 326-acre former Arlington International Racecourse for $197.2 million. Subsequent proposals included a lakefront dome in Chicago (2024) and a privately funded domed stadium in Arlington Heights (2025). Both plans required state-level tax-incentive legislation that never materialized. Illinois’ spring 2026 legislative session adjourned without passing a “megaprojects” bill that would have created a local stadium authority or allowed payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) arrangements, leaving the team without the property-tax certainty it demands.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 2021 – Bears sign purchase agreement for Arlington race-course.
- Feb 2023 – Purchase finalized; land valued at $197 million.
- Apr 2024 – Lakefront dome proposal announced; Governor Pritzker calls it a “non-starter.”
- May 2025 – Arlington Heights negotiations resume; $855 million infrastructure funding discussed.
- Feb 2025 – Indiana passes Senate Bill 27, creating the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority.
- June 5 2026 – Board votes to advance Hammond stadium project.
Financial Stakes: Funding, Incentives, and Property Costs
The Bears have earmarked roughly $2 billion for stadium construction. Indiana’s legislation offers up to $1 billion in public incentives, financed through an event-admissions tax, a 1 % food-and-beverage tax, and a 5 % inn-keepers tax in Lake County. Illinois lawmakers had proposed a $855 million infrastructure package for Arlington Heights, but the House did not vote on it.
Official Statements & Responses
- Bears – Chairman George H. McCaskey and President/CEO Kevin Warren said the Hammond project “will transform the region… and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”
- Indiana – Gov. Mike Braun welcomed the move, promising a partnership “as strong as the ’85 Bears defense” and an “economic boost to the entire region.”
- Illinois – Gov. JB Pritzker’s office, via spokesperson Matt Hill, noted the Bears “have built a storied legacy… but have shifted their position… that has hindered their progress.” The governor remains “open to a sensible solution that protects taxpayers.”
- Legislative Leaders – House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon said Illinois “remains open to ongoing efforts to secure the Bears” but emphasized the need for time.
- Chicago – Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office called the announcement “not surprising” and reiterated that discussions will continue until a site is finalized.
Criticism & Opposition
Chicago fans and local businesses expressed disappointment, citing potential losses in tourism, game-day revenue, and neighborhood vitality. Near-South Side community leader Bonnie Sanchez-Carlson warned of “economic losses for Chicago” and urged continued investment. Some Illinois politicians were blamed for “fumbling” the stadium deal, with former Bears president Ted Phillips and current CEO Kevin Warren cited as sources of internal missteps.
On-the-Ground Reports
Chicago residents Delores Davis (67) and Gwen Williams (72) described the move as “a disaster” and urged the team to stay. Conversely, Hammond resident Secundino “Dino” Dvojacki (65) praised the opportunity, noting the region’s “opportunity and possibility.” Local business owners in Chicago’s Loop and Near South Side reported anticipated revenue declines, while Indiana entrepreneurs expressed optimism about construction jobs and ancillary development.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ESPN’s Adam Schefter called the plan “a done deal barring anything very strange,” whereas an NFL league source emphasized that the move is “not yet a done deal.” The final site, construction timeline, and NFL approval remain unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city,” — George H. McCaskey, Bears Chairman
- “The Bears have built a storied legacy in Illinois for over 100 years but have spent the last six years, and especially the last few months, shifting their position on a stadium location. That has hindered their progress,” — Matt Hill, Gov. JB Pritzker spokesperson
- “Hoosiers, help me welcome the Chicago Bears to our great state! We look forward to building a partnership as strong as the '85 Bears defense, creating opportunities and economic growth that will benefit our state and the Bears organization for decades to come. An NFL franchise in Northwest Indiana will be an economic boost to the entire region like we haven’t seen before,” — Mike Braun, Indiana Governor
- “Over the last several years the Bears have stated their intentions in multiple jurisdictions, today's announcement is not surprising.” — Brandon Johnson spokesperson
- “If they really want to build a stadium, I don’t know that they’re going to be able to build a stadium in Illinois,” — source close to negotiations (Illinois Senate)
What’s Next: Site Selection, NFL Approval, and Legislative Options
The Bears must identify a specific Hammond parcel, secure final financing, and obtain NFL approval for the venue. Illinois lawmakers could still introduce a revised stadium-authority bill before the next session, while Indiana’s Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority will continue to refine its financing framework. The outcome will determine whether the franchise remains in Chicago or relocates to Hammond, reshaping the regional sports and economic landscape.
