Indiana Lawmakers Approve Bill to Lure Chicago Bears to Hammond

Proposed $2 billion stadium project aims to bring global events and economic growth to northwest Indiana

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:53pm

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The Indiana General Assembly has taken a major step towards luring the Chicago Bears football team from Illinois by passing Senate Bill 27, which establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority and a funding mechanism to build a new $2 billion stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are touting the project as a "generational change" that will bring jobs, economic development, tourism, and civic pride to the region.

Why it matters

The proposed Bears stadium project represents a high-stakes gambit by Indiana to attract a major professional sports franchise and the economic benefits that come with it. By offering significant financial incentives, Indiana hopes to lure the Bears away from their longtime home in Illinois and establish northwest Indiana as a hub for large-scale events and global visibility.

The details

Senate Bill 27 creates the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, which will oversee the financing and construction of the new $2 billion Bears stadium in Hammond. The state will finance a portion of the bonds to build the stadium, which will be repaid through revenues generated at the venue as well as a renegotiated toll road lease. Lawmakers say the project is about more than just a sports facility, as it is expected to bring jobs, economic development, population growth, tourism, new tax revenue, and business opportunities to the entire northwest Indiana corridor.

  • The Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Bill 27 on February 24, 2026.
  • The bill now heads back to the state Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve the changes made in the House.

The players

Chicago Bears

A professional American football team that currently plays in the National Football League (NFL) and is based in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears are one of the oldest and most successful franchises in the NFL.

Indiana General Assembly

The legislative branch of the government of the U.S. state of Indiana, consisting of the Indiana Senate and the Indiana House of Representatives.

Todd Huston

The Republican Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing District 37.

Earl Harris

A Democratic member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing District 2.

Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority

A new government entity established by Senate Bill 27 to oversee the financing and construction of a new $2 billion stadium in Hammond, Indiana to host the Chicago Bears.

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What they’re saying

“This investment will bring jobs, economic development, population growth, tourism, new tax revenue and new businesses. It will be a catalyst for the growth across the entire northwest Indiana corridor, revitalizing the region and benefiting our entire state.”

— Todd Huston, Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives (wthr.com)

“This is about vision. Major league franchises bring global visibility, year-round tourism and civic pride. They attract conventions, concerts, other sports and development that extend far beyond Sunday's game day. This bill gives Indiana the opportunity to think big, act boldly and secure a future-focused investment for generations to come.”

— Earl Harris, State Representative (wthr.com)

What’s next

If the Indiana Senate approves the changes made to Senate Bill 27 in the House, the bill will then head to the governor's desk for final approval.

The takeaway

Indiana's aggressive push to lure the Chicago Bears to Hammond represents a high-stakes gambit to attract a major professional sports franchise and the economic benefits that come with it. By offering significant financial incentives, the state hopes to establish northwest Indiana as a hub for large-scale events and global visibility, potentially transforming the region for generations to come.