Chicago Bears Explore Hammond Stadium Site

Team leaders meet with local officials about potential new stadium location.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:28pm

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, representing the fragmented and multi-angled view of a football stadium and game action.A conceptual illustration depicting the potential construction of a new Chicago Bears stadium in the city of Hammond, Indiana.Chicago Today

The leadership of the Chicago Bears NFL team held discussions on Friday with local and state officials in Hammond, Indiana about the possibility of building a new stadium in the city. The talks took place at the clubhouse of the Lost Marsh Golf Club, a potential site for the new facility.

Why it matters

The Bears have been seeking a new stadium to replace their aging Soldier Field home in Chicago. Hammond, located just across the state border, has emerged as a leading contender to host the team's new stadium, which could provide an economic boost to the city.

The details

The Bears delegation, including team president Ted Phillips and other top executives, met with Hammond mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. and Indiana state officials to tour the Lost Marsh Golf Club site and discuss the logistics and potential benefits of building a new stadium there. The Hammond location is attractive due to its proximity to Chicago and available land for development.

  • The stadium discussions took place on Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Chicago Bears

The professional American football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL).

Ted Phillips

The president of the Chicago Bears organization.

Thomas McDermott Jr.

The mayor of Hammond, Indiana, a city located near Chicago that is being considered as a potential site for a new Bears stadium.

Lost Marsh Golf Club

A golf course in Hammond, Indiana that is being evaluated as a possible location for a new Chicago Bears stadium.

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What they’re saying

“We're exploring all options to find the best location for the Bears' future home, and Hammond is certainly an intriguing possibility given its proximity to Chicago and available land.”

— Ted Phillips, President, Chicago Bears

“Bringing the Bears to Hammond would be a game-changer for our city, providing an economic boost and putting us on the national stage.”

— Thomas McDermott Jr., Mayor of Hammond, Indiana

What’s next

The Bears and Hammond officials plan to continue discussions in the coming weeks to further evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of building a new stadium in the city.

The takeaway

The potential relocation of the Chicago Bears to Hammond, Indiana represents a significant opportunity for the city to attract a major professional sports franchise and drive economic development, but also raises questions about the team's long-term future in the Chicago metropolitan area.