Home / Sports / Indiana Courts Bears: Stadium Deal Moves Forward
Indiana Courts Bears: Stadium Deal Moves Forward
23 Feb
Summary
- Indiana advances stadium plan, potentially relocating Chicago Bears.
- State legislative committee unanimously passed a bill for a stadium authority.
- Proposed $3 billion stadium aims for a 2031 Super Bowl hosting.

Indiana is making a significant play to host the Chicago Bears, advancing a stadium proposal that could relocate the NFL franchise from Illinois. The Indiana House is slated to vote on the stadium plan this week, following unanimous passage of a related bill in a legislative committee. This initiative aims to establish a stadium authority and finance construction for a new facility and surrounding development in Hammond, Indiana.
This potential move intensifies pressure on Illinois to secure a deal for the Bears, who have explored options in Arlington Heights but faced slow progress on state incentives. Indiana officials emphasize their swift approach, highlighting a strong public-private partnership framework for a world-class stadium. The proposed $3 billion project in Indiana mirrors the Bears' investment of $2 billion in potential Arlington Heights plans, with Indiana offering over $1 billion in infrastructure and bonds.
The Bears have expressed commitment to due diligence for a stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond, Indiana, while also acknowledging ongoing discussions with Illinois leadership. The team aims to build a covered stadium capable of hosting events like the Super Bowl by 2031, a significant upgrade from the current Soldier Field, which opened in 1924.
This potential relocation echoes similar instances of NFL teams playing outside their namesake cities, such as New York's teams in New Jersey and the Washington Commanders in Maryland. Indiana's aggressive pursuit is notably contrasted with the slow progress in Illinois, where Governor JB Pritzker has sought tangible taxpayer benefits. Illinois officials expressed surprise at the Bears' embrace of Indiana's offer, stating they were close to an agreement for an Arlington Heights stadium before the Bears requested a pause.




