Indiana lawmakers last month passed legislation that could clear the way for the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in northwest Indiana, setting up a high-stakes competition with Illinois to keep the NFL franchise in the Chicago area.
Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Bill 26 into law on Feb. 26, authorizing funding for a stadium in Hammond, Indiana — approximately 28 miles from Chicago's downtown. The Bears, in a statement issued shortly after the bill passed but before the governor signed it, said they were "grateful" for Indiana's leadership in "establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana."
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative lawmakers and fiscal conservatives have argued that private businesses should bear more of the stadium cost, though some see Indiana's aggressive approach as a model for economic development. "This is exactly how you compete in the modern economy," said State Representative Brad Halbrook, a Republican from downstate Illinois. "Indiana saw an opportunity and acted. Illinois needs to wake up."
Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia, in his first "State of the Village" address since taking office last year, warned that Illinois must act quickly or lose the team. "Waiting until the end of May, I think, is a no-go for the Bears," Tinaglia said. "They've already been through the wringer too many times." The mayor has advocated for the property tax breaks currently being debated in Springfield.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive advocates and some Democratic lawmakers in Illinois have raised concerns about using public money to fund a stadium for a franchise valued at more than $8 billion. "We shouldn't be giving tax breaks to billionaire team owners while working families struggle with rising property taxes," said State Representative Lisa Hernandez, a Chicago Democrat. The Bears are seeking $855 million in public funding to cover infrastructure costs for a new stadium, according to a consultant report released in October.
Labor unions have expressed cautious optimism about the potential jobs a new stadium could bring, but some remain skeptical. "We've seen these stadium deals promised union jobs before, only to see those promises broken," said a spokesperson for the Chicago Federation of Labor. "Any public investment must come with binding commitments to local hiring and prevailing wages."
What the Numbers Show
The Bears purchased a 326-acre property in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in 2023 for $197.2 million as a potential site for a new stadium. The team's current home, Soldier Field, is the NFL's smallest stadium with a capacity of 61,500 seats. The Bears do not own Soldier Field — they rent the venue, and their lease runs through 2033.
Indiana's Senate Bill 26 authorizes funding for a stadium development in Hammond, creating what supporters call a "world-class" sports facility in northwest Indiana. Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would provide property tax breaks for "mega projects," which could benefit the Arlington Heights development. Kevin Warren, the Bears' President and CEO, has said a new stadium could host major events like the Super Bowl or NCAA Final Four — attractions that would generate "long-term revenue for the State."
The Bottom Line
The Bears have not announced where they will build their next stadium, but the team's open letter indicates they are actively evaluating opportunities beyond Arlington Park, including northwest Indiana. Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield this week to debate the property tax legislation, with advocates on both sides watching closely. The team's lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033, but the decision on where to build could come much sooner — mayor Tinaglia's comments suggest the Bears need clarity within weeks, not months. What happens in the next several weeks could determine whether one of the NFL's founding franchises remains in Illinois or becomes Indiana's newest sports franchise.