Full Breakdown
Chicago Bears Confirm No Name Change Amid Hammond, Indiana Stadium Push
8/14/2026, 9:17:17 PM
Core Development: Relocating the Franchise’s Home
The Chicago Bears—an NFL franchise with a 105-year history—are focusing their stadium effort on Hammond, Indiana, about 30 minutes southeast of Soldier Field. Team chairman George H. McCaskey and president/CEO Kevin Warren have said the club will remain the “Chicago Bears” even if a new, domed, mixed-use stadium is built across state lines. The Bears’ board voted earlier this year to advance the Hammond project, and discussions with Illinois officials have been described as “minimal.”
Background & Context
The Bears have pursued a new stadium since 2021, initially eyeing a 326-acre site in Arlington Heights, Illinois. High Cook County property taxes and the inability of Illinois lawmakers to pass a lump-sum tax-relief bill stalled that plan. Indiana subsequently offered tax assurances and up to $1 billion in incentives, prompting the franchise to shift focus.
Data & Statistics
- $1 billion in Indiana incentives.
- Estimated stadium cost of $5 billion.
- Fan poll by *The Athletic* showed more than 45 % would be less likely to attend games if the team moved to Indiana; half said the move would make no difference, and about 4 % would be more likely to attend.
- The franchise purchased a 326-acre Arlington Heights parcel years ago for a potential stadium.
Official Statements & Responses
- George McCaskey emphasized that the team’s identity will not change, noting fan “anxiety” but asserting the adjustment will be manageable once the new stadium is visible.
- Kevin Warren said the Bears have “very, very good progress” on due-diligence at the Lost Marsh site and are evaluating the nearby Wolf Lake Terminal for a possible combined development.
- Indiana Governor Mike Braun reported weekly communication with the Bears, describing the talks as being “in the red zone.”
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker noted that the state has passed separate stadium bills that still need reconciliation and that the Bears must decide which provisions to support.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans expressed concern about crossing state lines for home games, with the *Athletic* poll indicating a sizable portion would attend fewer games. Local advocate Ernie Rose of Touchdown Arlington argued that Arlington Heights remains the “best option for everybody,” reflecting ongoing debate within the Chicago region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No — we will be the Chicago Bears whether we're in Arlington [Heights, Illinois] or whether we're in Hammond,” — George McCaskey
- “It's reached that point now where we are starting to get some clarity in the moment that we finish our due diligence and have the appropriate capital stack and financing together, we are looking forward to making a decision so we can break ground and get our project going forward,” — Kevin Warren
- “We communicate with them every week, once or twice," Indiana Gov.” — Indiana Gov. Mike Braun
What's Next
The Bears have not set a specific timeline for breaking ground or finalizing the site decision. Warren indicated that once financing and the “appropriate capital stack” are secured, the franchise will move forward with construction. The organization continues regular communication with Indiana officials while maintaining occasional meetings with Illinois representatives.
