US EditionIndiana Senate to Take Final Vote on Chicago Bears Stadium-Related Bill
Indiana Senate approved a stadium authority enabling Hammond to create a special taxing district for a $3 billion stadium project partly funded by $1 billion public funds.
- On Feb. 26, 2026, the Indiana State Senate passed Senate Bill 27 by a 45-4 vote, establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority and sending the bill to Gov. Mike Braun.
- After the Bears signaled interest in Hammond earlier this month, the Indiana House of Representatives passed the measure by a 95-4 vote, while Illinois lawmakers prepare competing bills.
- Financially, the plan centers on The Bears' $2 billion commitment and about $1 billion in public funding from a state bond and local taxes in Lake and Porter counties, while Hammond can create a special taxing district to finance the stadium.
- Next, Gov. Mike Braun must sign the bill into law, a step expected as no contracts are signed and the Bears have not chosen a final home, while the State of Indiana would own the stadium leased by the Chicago Bears.
- In the broader NFL landscape, State senator Ryan Mishler said the Bears could break ground in spring 2027 with site work this year, fitting recent NFL relocations like the Kansas City Chiefs and using special taxing district revenues that expire when bonds are repaid.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Indiana governor signs Chicago Bears stadium bill into law as Illinois inches closer to a tax deal
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a bill that outlines a financial structure for a Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond about an hour after the state Senate gave the bill its final approval on Thursday, while Illinois lawmakers were inching closer…
Indiana lawmakers, governor give final OK to plan trying to lure Bears stadium
Indiana Senate members debate the Chicago Bears stadium financing bill on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)Indiana’s offer to help build a multi-billion dollar stadium is officially on the table — now it is up to the Chicago Bears to decide whether they will cross the state line. State senators voted 45-4 Thursday to give final legislative approval to the plan for establishing a Northwest Indiana Stadium Au…
Senate sends Bears stadium bill to Gov. Braun
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana’s bid to host the Chicago Bears is at the goal line following a Thursday afternoon Senate vote. The Senate overwhelmingly backed a bill to establish a northwest Indiana stadium authority, just days after the Bears announced they are considering a site in Hammond, just over the state line from Illinois and barely 20 miles from their current home of Soldier Field in downtown Chicago. The bill passed 45-4. Funding for …
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 69% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
