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HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) — The Chicago Bears have stirred up a storm of political reactions with their latest move to broaden their stadium search beyond Arlington Heights, now eyeing locations throughout the Chicagoland area, including parts of Northwest Indiana.
While some speculate whether this is merely a strategic maneuver, Indiana leaders are making it clear they’re ready to roll out the welcome mat. Among the eager hosts are the mayors of Hammond and Gary, who are actively pitching their cities as suitable new homes for the iconic NFL team.
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This development was set in motion by Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren, who revealed the team’s expanded search in a candid letter on Wednesday.
The shift in focus comes as Warren cites a lack of support from Illinois lawmakers regarding the provision of “reasonable property tax certainty” necessary to secure financing for a new stadium and the essential infrastructure it would require.
In recent months, the Bears had been progressing with plans to develop the former Arlington Park site in the northwest suburbs. However, the team also sought assistance from the state to address substantial infrastructure needs.
“We’ve been directly informed by State leadership that our project won’t be prioritized in 2026, despite the significant benefits it promises to bring to Illinois,” part of Warren’s letter stated. “As a result, along with Arlington Park, we must broaden our search and critically assess opportunities across the wider Chicagoland area, including Northwest Indiana. This isn’t about leverage. We have devoted years to building a new home in Cook County, having invested considerable time and resources to evaluate multiple sites before reasonably deciding on Arlington Heights.”
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Hammond, Indiana’s visitor center has been decorated to celebrate the movie “A Christmas Story,” whose author is from the Northwest Indiana town. But the town is hoping for an even bigger Christmas present if they can convince the Bears to build a new stadium here.
Phil Taillon is treasurer of the new Northwest Indiana Sports Development Commission, which was formed to try to attract a professional sports franchise to town. The Bears would be an even bigger catch than they imagined.
Taillon says Hammond, just over the Indiana border, is actually closer to downtown Chicago than Arlington Heights, the northwest suburban site where the Bears have previously said they planned to build. But even though the team has said they will pay the multi-billion dollar cost of a new stadium, Illinois lawmakers have failed to agree to pay for infrastructure improvements needed for a stadium.
“They are pushing the Bears to look at other options,” said Marc Ganis with Sportscorp Ltd.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton’s Office shared the following statement:
“Today, the landscape of the Chicago Bears’ stadium search has shifted. By formally expanding their search to include Northwest Indiana, the Bears organization has acknowledged what we in Greater Gary have long understood: our region is no longer divided by an invisible state line-we are an integral part of the Chicago metropolitan fabric.
“A comprehensive proposal is being developed by my team and the Gary Common Council, and we look forward to collaborating with Governor Braun and the Indiana General Assembly to bring the Bears to Gary.
“Gary offers a unique ‘plug-and-play’ opportunity for a project of this magnitude. With the Lake County Convention Center recently approved for a site adjacent to the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, we are already building a year-round entertainment district designed for high-capacity tourism and hospitality.
“Gary isn’t just a location; it’s a strategic partner. With our access to I-80/94, the South Shore Line, the Gary International Airport, and large-scale contiguous land, we offer a level of connectivity and readiness that is rare in the Chicagoland region.”
This is not the first time the Bears have flirted with moving to Indiana. In the mid-90’s, the team, under then-chairman Michael McCaskey, talked about a site in Gary before the city and then-Mayor Richard Daley agreed to renovate Soldier Field. Current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to keep the Bears where they are.
“The Bears belong in the city of Chicago,” Mayor Johnson said. “The Chicago Bears belong to the city of Chicago, right? And I’ve said repeatedly that the door is always open for conversations.”
Indiana’s Governor says he is fully on board with the effort to bring the Bears to the Hoosier state, and he says he is willing to work with the team to do whatever it takes to make it happen.
In a statement on X, Indiana Governor Mike Braun said, “The Chicago Bears recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate, and I am ready to work with them to build a new stadium in Northwest Indiana. This move would deliver a major economic boost, create jobs, and bring another premier NFL franchise to the Hoosier State. Let’s get it done.”
Governor JB Pritzker’s spokesperson shared the following statement on Wednesday:
“Suggesting the Bears would move to Indiana is a startling slap in the face to all the beloved and loyal fans who have been rallying around the team during this strong season. The Governor’s a Bears fan who has always wanted them to stay in Chicago. He has also said that ultimately they are a private business that makes their own decisions, but the Governor has also been clear that the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers.”
The Village of Arlington Heights shared the following statement:
“The Village was made aware earlier today that the Chicago Bears are exploring the option of building their new stadium in northwest Indiana.
“Both the Village and the Chicago Bears remain confident that their Arlington Park property in Arlington Heights is the best option for their new stadium and entertainment district. However, we understand their need to explore any and all viable locations as part of their due diligence process. Due to restrictive legislation in Illinois, this exploration now includes moving to Indiana.
“The Village has been outspoken that a Megaproject bill is necessary to make a development project of this scale possible. A bill of this type would serve as a key economic development tool to attract large-scale investment not only in Arlington Heights, but in communities throughout the state.
“‘We encourage our Illinois State legislators to move forward with the Megaproject bill,’ said Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia. ‘This legislation will help to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois, within the limits of Cook County, and ultimately – in Arlington Heights.’”
