The Chicago Bears confirmed that their sole focus for a new stadium is Hammond, Indiana, following a board vote and stalled tax negotiations in Illinois. Team executives evaluated the Lost Marsh site and a second location at the Wolf Lake Terminal while maintaining that the franchise will keep its historic name.
Hammond Site Emerges as the Focal Point for Future Stadium Development
The Chicago Bears have zeroed in on northwest Indiana for their next home. Team president and CEO Kevin Warren announced that the organization’s sole focus is building a new facility in Hammond, Indiana, following a June board of directors vote to advance stadium development across state lines.
The franchise completed due diligence on the Lost Marsh site in Hammond, which confirmed the land is viable for construction. During that vetting process, executives discovered a second nearby property at the Wolf Lake Terminal. Warren outlined the possibility of merging the two options together to accommodate a world-class stadium and mixed-use development.
While Indiana officials established a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to finance, construct and lease a stadium, talks in Illinois have stalled. The team’s current lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033, though the franchise holds the option to break the agreement early by paying a fee.
Stalled Tax Negotiations and Financial Incentives Drive the Cross-Border Push
The shift toward Indiana accelerated after legislative efforts in Illinois failed to secure property tax certainty for the organization. State lawmakers adjourned their spring session without passing legislation that would permit the Bears to pay a lump sum in lieu of property taxes.
Chairman George H. McCaskey characterized communication with Illinois lawmakers as minimal since the spring session ended. Team leadership emphasized that tangible offers are currently absent from their home state.
“We don’t have an offer from the state of Illinois. And our focus now is on Indiana. And obviously, like I said, there have been occasional meetings that have taken place. But right now our focus is on Hammond, Indiana, to make sure that we bring that to life.”
Kevin Warren, Bears President and CEO, via ABC7 Chicago
By contrast, Indiana officials have guaranteed tax assurances and offered up to $1 billion in incentives to secure the franchise. Warren noted that the projected cost of constructing a new stadium increases by $150 million annually, adding urgency to the decision-making process.
Addressing Fan Concerns Over Leaving Illinois and Franchise Identity
Moving across the state border breaks a century-old tradition for the organization. Since its founding in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys before moving to Chicago in 1921, the charter franchise has played all of its home games in Illinois, save for one year played in Champaign because of renovations to Soldier Field.
McCaskey acknowledged that supporters feel anxiety regarding a move to northwest Indiana, but he offered immediate reassurance about the team’s historic moniker.
“No. We will be the Chicago Bears whether we’re in Arlington or whether we’re in Hammond.”
George H. McCaskey, Bears Chairman, via ABC7 Chicago
McCaskey added that driving the route across the state line reveals little difference other than a sign telling him so, expressing confidence that fans will adjust once they experience the proposed venue.
Weighing Past Arlington Heights Plans Against Present Realities
The pursuit of a new home has spanned several years and involved multiple pivot points. In September 2021, the team signed a purchase agreement for 326 acres of land in Arlington Heights, finalizing a $197 million deal with Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2023. The organization subsequently unveiled a nearly $5 billion conceptual plan for an enclosed stadium and entertainment district.
Leadership shifted focus toward Chicago’s Museum Campus following Warren’s appointment in January 2023, though that proposal received a tepid reception from state leaders. Another brief shift in May 2025 pointed toward progress in Arlington Heights before lingering hurdles over infrastructure financing pushed the franchise to explore northwest Indiana.
With due diligence advancing in Hammond, team executives maintain that a final decision depends on completing environmental studies, assembling the appropriate capital stack, and finalizing financing.
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