The Chicago Bears took a significant step Thursday toward potentially leaving Illinois, after Indiana lawmakers unanimously approved legislation that clears a path for a new domed stadium in Hammond.
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The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee voted 24-0 to advance an amendment to Senate Bill 27, which would create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. That group would have the power to issue bonds, acquire land, and help finance a stadium project near Wolf Lake.
That location matters. Wolf Lake sits along the Illinois-Indiana border, roughly 25 minutes from Soldier Field, close enough to still claim Chicagoland while technically crossing state lines.
The Bears called the vote the most meaningful progress they have made in their stadium search. They said they are committed to completing due diligence on the Hammond site and praised Indiana officials for moving quickly.
Indiana governor Mike Braun leaned into the moment, calling the state open for business and positioning the project as a win for taxpayers through a public private partnership.
Meanwhile, Illinois was caught flat-footed.
The Bears have been seeking legislation that would allow them to negotiate property taxes tied to a planned $2 billion stadium project in Arlington Heights. That plan also included a request for roughly eight hundred $50 million in public funding for surrounding infrastructure. An Illinois House committee was set to discuss that proposal Thursday. The meeting was canceled.
Illinois officials say they were ready to move forward and were surprised by the Bears publicly celebrating Indiana.
The Bears' lease at Soldier Field runs through 2033. That clock suddenly feels louder.
