Chicago Bears Stadium Move to Hammond, Indiana: What Fans Need to Know in 2026
Chicago Bears Stadium Move to Hammond, Indiana: What Fans Need to Know in 2026
The Chicago Bears stadium relocation saga took a major step forward in February 2026 as Indiana lawmakers passed crucial legislation to pave the way for a new NFL stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The Bears organization says the recent developments represent the most significant progress in their multi-year search for a modern stadium, though uncertainty remains about the team’s future home.
Hammond Becomes the New Focal Point
After years of stalled negotiations over a new stadium site in Illinois — particularly in Arlington Heights — the Bears appear increasingly focused on building a world-class stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond, a community just across the Illinois-Indiana border. Indiana’s House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved an amendment to Senate Bill 27 to create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, a public body empowered to issue bonds, manage land acquisition, and finance stadium construction.
According to the bill, this authority would later transfer the facility to the Bears, potentially at a symbolic cost of just $1 once the bonds are repaid. Indiana officials note that tax revenues from food and beverage, hotel stays, and admissions within the stadium district would help finance construction without burdening taxpayers.
Bears Statement Signals Progress
The Chicago Bears released a statement after the committee vote, calling the bill’s passage “the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date” and expressing commitment to finish the remaining site-specific due diligence necessary to support the vision of a new NFL stadium in northwest Indiana.
This marks a shift from the long-standing plan to build a replacement for Soldier Field in Illinois. While the Bears still maintain their lease at Soldier Field through 2033, the Indiana proposal offers a clear legislative and financial framework that was previously absent in Illinois negotiations.
Economic and Regional Impact
Supporters of the Hammond plan highlight its potential to spur economic development in Northwest Indiana. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. praised the momentum, emphasizing that the region is ready to welcome not only an NFL team but also related businesses and infrastructure investments. Indiana Governor Mike Braun also underscored the state’s pro-business environment and quick legislative action as key reasons the Bears have shown interest in the plan.
However, Illinois officials have pushed back, with some describing the Bears’ public endorsement of the Indiana legislation as surprising and urging continued dialogue on keeping the franchise in Illinois.
What’s Next for Bears Fans
As the Indiana bill now heads to the full House and, potentially, the governor’s desk, fans are left watching a pivotal moment in NFL relocation news. Whether the Bears will ultimately relocate remains unresolved, but the Hammond stadium proposal represents a dramatic shift in the conversation. With legislation moving quickly and public and private investment on the table, 2026 could become a defining year in Bears history — and a transformative moment for the Chicagoland sports landscape.
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