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Bears Narrow Stadium Plan to Hammond, Indiana

8/14/2026

49 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

On Aug 13 2026, Bears president Kevin Warren said the focus is a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.
Due diligence is complete on Lost Marsh Golf Course, ongoing at Wolf Lake Terminal.
Indiana will provide up to $1 billion, with the Bears funding $2 billion.
Illinois has given no written offer, with discussions minimal since the June 2026 board vote.
Rising construction costs of $150 million per year add urgency without a firm timetable.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 M&T Bank Stadium opened with a capacity of 70,745. Since then it has hosted Ravens games, record crowds exceeding 71,000, and served as a COVID-19 vaccination site in 2021, highlighting its civic role. Bears president Kevin Warren now seeks a Hammond, Indiana stadium financed by the state and franchise, reflecting ongoing public-private stadium funding debates.

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Story summary

On Aug 13 2026, Bears president Kevin Warren said the focus is a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.
Due diligence is complete on Lost Marsh Golf Course, ongoing at Wolf Lake Terminal.
Indiana will provide up to $1 billion, with the Bears funding $2 billion.
Illinois has given no written offer, with discussions minimal since the June 2026 board vote.
Rising construction costs of $150 million per year add urgency without a firm timetable.

1 / 2