US EditionIndiana House Approves Bears Stadium Legislation, but Pritzker Optimistic Bears Will Stay in Illinois
The bill creates a stadium authority to issue bonds and raise about $1 billion through local taxes to attract the Chicago Bears to Hammond, Indiana, lawmakers said.
- On Feb. 24, 2026, the Indiana House approved SB27 by a 95-4 vote to establish a Northwest Indiana stadium authority for Hammond.
- Lawmakers reported on Feb. 19 a verbal $2 billion commitment from the Chicago Bears to invest in a Hammond stadium, following Kevin Warren, Bears President and CFO, stating on Dec. 17 the team would expand its search to northwest Indiana.
- The bill funds construction by levying new local taxes including a 1% food and beverage tax surcharge in Lake and Porter counties, doubling Lake County hotel tax to 10%, and a 12% ticket tax.
- Supporters say the measure would return to the Senate and be sent to Gov. Mike Braun for signature by the end of the week, fueling interstate competition with Illinois, where lawmakers continue efforts. 'This is what team Indiana is', House Speaker Todd Huston said.
- With the session set to end Friday, Illinois has a Thursday committee hearing on a PILOT bill, making timing pivotal for the state's efforts to keep the Bears.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Large taxpayer costs coming to Indiana or Illinois for new Bears stadium
(The Center Square) – Lawmakers in both Indiana and Illinois continue to jockey for position as the Chicago Bears request a large amount of taxpayer funds from each to build a new stadium and development to move from their current…
Indiana's Bears bid heads for the goal line
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s attempt to lure the Chicago Bears to a new stadium in Hammond is headed toward a legislative goal line Thursday. The Indiana Senate will consider the all-but-certain final passage of SB 27, the enabling legislation that would create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, which would be responsible for an as-yet undesigned and [...]
Indiana House Passes Bill to Attract Chicago Bears
The Indiana House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation designed to lure the Chicago Bears across the state line, advancing the proposal to the state Senate. The bill, which passed 95–4 in the House on Feb. 24, would establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority and a Northwest Indiana Stadium Board to oversee the development and operations of a proposed stadium project in the city of Hammond. It would also authorize the cre…
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