Full Breakdown
Bears Advance Hammond Stadium Plan Amid Illinois Legislative Counteroffers
6/11/2026, 12:33:08 AM
New Stadium Push
The Chicago Bears’ board voted to pursue a stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, including the Lost Marsh Golf Course near Wolf Lake. No final site selected.
History and Timeline
Since 2021 the Bears have considered Arlington International Racecourse (Arlington Heights), a lakefront dome south of Soldier Field, and Northwest Indiana. 2021 Arlington purchase; 2023 tax impasse; 2024 lakefront proposal; 2025 shift to Hammond; 2026 Indiana Senate Bill 27 authorizing a stadium authority and up to $1 B public funding; June 2026 statement that Chicago options are exhausted.
Key Players
Kevin Warren (Bears president/CEO), Tom McDermott (Hammond mayor), JB Pritzker (Illinois governor), Dan Ugaste and Martin McLaughlin (Illinois reps), Mike Braun (Indiana governor).
Financial Snapshot
Lost Marsh Golf Course valued $25-30 M; stadium projected $5-6 B. Bears pledge $2-5 B; Indiana offers up to $1 B public funding. Illinois proposals range from $2.5 B Bears investment plus $1 B state contribution to a $500 M megaproject threshold.
Impact
Supporters cite billions in regional economic activity, thousands of jobs, and stronger ties between Northwest Indiana and Chicago. Critics warn of tax burdens for Illinois residents and question the sustainability of large public subsidies.
Official Statements
Gov. Pritzker said he would call a special session if a deal protects taxpayers, emphasizing “no taxpayer money” for a stadium. Bears leadership said Chicago options are exhausted but remain open to Illinois discussions. Mayor McDermott expressed confidence that Hammond will become the team’s home. Gov. Braun welcomed the “promising site near Wolf Lake.”
Criticism & Opposition
Rep. Ugaste warned Illinois risks losing the franchise due to a “broken tax system.” Gov. Pritzker criticized the Bears for “early missteps,” shifting locations, and insisted any agreement must avoid raising taxes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The exact Hammond site remains undisclosed, and Indiana’s financing details for the $1 B public contribution are vague. Illinois lawmakers have not finalized a unified bill, leaving the state’s offer uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region – boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue.” — Kevin Warren, Bears President & CEO
- “I love the Chicago Bears. I want them to be in Illinois, and I have worked very hard to try to keep them in Illinois,” — JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
- “Once again, Illinois is at risk of losing a major business because of a broken tax system that has driven families and businesses away for years,” — Dan Ugaste, State Rep.
- “I definitely am interested in that in Hammond: changing the city logo to incorporate home of the Chicago Bears into it," McDermott said.” — Tom McDermott, Hammond Mayor
What’s Next
The Bears aim to announce a final site by late spring 2026. Illinois may convene a special session to negotiate a stadium package, while Indiana prepares to fund the project under Senate Bill 27.
