Indiana House Approves Chicago Bears Stadium Bill with Amendment

The legislation outlines a financial structure for a new Bears stadium in Hammond, Indiana.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Indiana House of Representatives has approved a bill that outlines the financial structure for a new Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The bill, which advanced on second reading with a minor amendment, would create a stadium authority and allow the state to issue bonds to help fund the $3 billion project. The Bears have committed to investing $2 billion, while the state will contribute around $1 billion through various financing mechanisms.

Why it matters

The proposed stadium represents a major economic development opportunity for Hammond and the surrounding region, which has a history in steel production and entertainment. The deal could also strengthen the Bears' presence in the Midwest and provide a new revenue stream for the state of Indiana.

The details

The bill allows the Hammond City Council to designate a stadium development district, with at least 12% of allocated property taxes going to the city's general fund each year. The state plans to renegotiate its lease with the Indiana Toll Road and has asked Lake and Porter counties to adopt a 1% food and beverage tax and Lake County to pass a 5% innkeepers tax to help fund infrastructure costs. An amendment was also added to require the budget committee to receive updates on the proposal's comprehensive transportation plans.

  • The Indiana House approved the bill on second reading on February 23, 2026.
  • The budget committee is required to receive an update on the transportation plans by December 31, 2026, and each year after that.

The players

Todd Huston

Republican Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, who presented the stadium authority bill.

Thomas McDermott

Mayor of Hammond, Indiana, who testified in support of the proposed stadium as an opportunity for the city and region.

Mike Braun

Governor of Indiana, who stated that the state's pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like the partnership with the Chicago Bears.

Chicago Bears

The NFL team that has selected a site near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond as a potential location for a new $3 billion stadium.

Jeff Thompson

Republican state representative from Lizton, Indiana, who presented an amendment to the bill.

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What they’re saying

“We've identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. The amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly.”

— Mike Braun, Governor of Indiana (Chicago Tribune)

“Now, we have the chance to add something else, the Chicago Bears. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.”

— Thomas McDermott, Mayor of Hammond, Indiana (Chicago Tribune)

“The passage of Indiana's Senate Bill 27 would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date. We remain committed to moving forward with due diligence on building a stadium near the Wolf Lake area in Hammond.”

— Chicago Bears (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The bill will now advance for final consideration by the Indiana House.

The takeaway

The proposed Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond represents a significant economic development opportunity for the region, with the state and local governments working to establish a financial framework to support the $3 billion project. The deal highlights Indiana's efforts to attract major sports and entertainment investments.