Chicago Bears’ Potential Move to Indiana
When the Chicago Bears play against the Minnesota Vikings for their 2026 home opener, it will kick off their 55th season at Soldier Field. Interestingly, it could also be the last time they do so there. Hammond, Indiana, has its fingers crossed for that outcome.
In June, the Bears revealed their intentions to progress with plans for a stadium across state lines in Hammond. This isn’t the first time discussions about relocating to Indiana have emerged—the team flirted with the idea back in the late 1990s, but those talks didn’t go anywhere.
Today, however, the seriousness is palpable. Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. expressed surprise at the forward momentum, admitting he didn’t anticipate that all the city’s preparation would lead to potentially housing the Bears.
Hammond’s Preparation Efforts
Recently, the Bears evaluated the Lost Marsh site in Hammond and conducted due diligence on the Lake Terminal site. According to McDermott, these stadium possibilities arose from cleanup efforts in the region.
“When I first took office, the site we’re discussing now seemed unlikely for a stadium due to its many landowners and the outdated perception of the area,” McDermott noted. “Through partnerships with the state, we managed to assemble a substantial amount of land—about 300 acres.” It’s worth mentioning, though, that this land acquisition was never initially aimed at attracting the Bears.
“Honestly, I never imagined we’d end up as the future home for the Chicago Bears. We were just focused on improving the area,” McDermott said.
Hammond has also benefitted from lower property tax rates compared to Illinois, which McDermott indicated is appealing to the Bears. He elaborated, “Indiana has fixed property tax caps in our constitution, making it certain and attractive for businesses and, notably, the Bears.” In contrast, Illinois doesn’t offer this kind of tax certainty.
Heather Ennis, the president and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, highlighted the region’s recent influx of investments, stating, “Over the last ten months, we’ve seen over $30 billion committed to Northwest Indiana, excluding any potential Bears deal.” She emphasized that the area is witnessing significant growth and investment.
Another plus for Hammond? A remarkable level of bipartisan cooperation among local leaders. McDermott remarked on the unprecedented collaboration he’s seen during discussions about the Bears, which span across party lines. “I’ve never seen such coordination in my tenure, with federal and state representatives working together seamlessly,” he said.
Realistic Possibility of the Move
This isn’t the Bears’ first foray into contemplating a move to Indiana. Back in the late 90s, they considered relocating to Gary, but that too fizzled out. Due to that history, McDermott admitted to initial skepticism about the Bears’ seriousness this time around.
“I started skeptical, given our previous experiences. However, as a mayor, I knew I had to pursue the possibility diligently—even with doubts,” he noted.
McDermott received a pivotal call from an undisclosed major company about its property amidst ongoing discussions, which made the potential move feel more substantial. “When I could see significant companies concerned about their properties being acquired, it clicked for me that this was pretty serious,” he said.
While the Bears’ lease at Soldier Field runs until 2033, there’s a clause allowing them to terminate it early. Soldier Field is roughly 40 miles south of the team’s headquarters in Lake Forest, whereas Hammond sits about 20 miles away.
Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, who sponsored a bill creating a funding mechanism for a future stadium, emphasized that the Bears’ move could yield long-lasting benefits for the area.
Infrastructure Development
Building a new stadium isn’t just about constructing the venue; it requires substantial infrastructure to support the influx of fans. Fortunately, Hammond has a solid utility infrastructure in place due to its industrial presence, which McDermott highlighted. “We’re conveniently located near major transport routes, which will aid in stadium operations,” he said.
While McDermott acknowledged the need for highway improvements, he noted that a $600 million budget has been allocated for infrastructure enhancements near the intended stadium site. Indiana, being a major transport hub, has the foundational infrastructure that can support such a project.
Still, for Bears fans worried about the transition from Soldier Field, McDermott pointed out that there are several transportation options to reach Hammond.
“I get that it’s easier to get to Soldier Field from downtown Chicago, but Hammond is quite accessible via highways and even waterways during certain seasons,” he explained. He also argued that financial advantages in Indiana could lead to a better overall experience for fans compared to what’s currently available in Illinois.
Staying True to the Name
McDermott assured fans that the Bears would retain their identity, regardless of a move. “We never considered changing the name. The Chicago Bears will always be the Chicago Bears,” he said, reinforcing a strong local connection to the team.
McDermott acknowledged the local pride in being Bears fans, even within Indiana’s borders. “Many might think Indiana equals Colts fans, but in Northwest Indiana, it’s all about the Bears,” he remarked.
Negotiation Status
After a recent strong performance where the Bears scored multiple touchdowns, McDermott used a football analogy to describe their current stage in negotiations, saying they’re in the “red zone.” He emphasized that the next moves are largely in the hands of the Bears’ leadership, McCaskey and Warren.
McDermott remains hopeful, recognizing that while the discussions are ongoing, timing and comfort levels are crucial for such a significant investment.
In discussing the prospect of having the Bears in Indiana, Ennis expressed optimism about the mutual benefits. “We would be thrilled for the Bears to choose Hammond, and it would certainly benefit them, too,” she stated.
