Chicago Bears Eyeing Hammond, Indiana for Potential New Stadium

The NFL team is in talks to relocate from Soldier Field to a $2 billion stadium site in the northwest Indiana city.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Chicago Bears are in negotiations to potentially move their home from Soldier Field in Chicago to a new $2 billion stadium that would be constructed in Hammond, Indiana. Hammond is a city of around 76,000 people located about 30 miles southeast of Chicago, near Lake Michigan. The city has a rich industrial history but also features attractions like Wolf Lake, which is popular for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Why it matters

A potential Bears relocation to Hammond would represent a major economic development opportunity for the city and the surrounding region of northwest Indiana. It could bring new jobs, tourism, and investment to the area. However, the move would also mean the Bears would be leaving their longtime home in Chicago, which could be seen as a loss for the city.

The details

State lawmakers announced during a Feb. 19 meeting that a deal is being worked out for the Bears to move from Soldier Field to a new stadium site in Hammond. The team is reportedly willing to invest $2 billion in the new stadium project. Hammond has a population of around 76,000 and is known for its industrial history as well as outdoor attractions like Wolf Lake.

  • On Feb. 19, 2026, state lawmakers announced the potential Bears relocation deal.
  • The new stadium would be constructed in Hammond, Indiana.

The players

Chicago Bears

The NFL football team that is considering relocating from Soldier Field in Chicago to a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

Thomas McDermott Jr.

The mayor of Hammond, Indiana, who has stated that Hammond is the most populated city in Lake County.

Todd Huston

The House Speaker who announced the potential Bears relocation deal during a Feb. 19 meeting.

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What they’re saying

“It represents a transformational investment for northwest Indiana and our state.”

— Todd Huston, House Speaker (indystar.com)

What’s next

State lawmakers will continue to negotiate the details of the potential $2 billion stadium deal that would bring the Chicago Bears to Hammond, Indiana.

The takeaway

The possible relocation of the Chicago Bears to Hammond, Indiana highlights the city's potential for economic growth and development, but also raises questions about the team's longtime connection to Chicago and the impact the move could have on the city.