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Bears keep Hammond stadium plan alive as Indiana law allows potentially $1B for nearby infrastructure

The Chicago Bears say Hammond remains the primary site for a proposed domed stadium while environmental and topographical studies continue at two northwest Indiana parcels. State legislation signed in February could make “potentially $1 billion or more” in taxpayer funds available for infrastructure near the site, the article reports.

BUSINESSINDY BRIEFBy BusinessIndy Editorial StaffAugust 13, 2026 at 3:29 PM EDT

Chicago Bears officials told reporters they are prioritizing Hammond as the primary location for a proposed domed stadium after the team’s board in June voted to advance the project at Hammond sites. The club is evaluating two northwest Indiana parcels, including the Wolf Lake terminal and the already-determined Lost Marsh site, and has not ruled out its Arlington Heights property.

Team leaders said they are finishing topographical, geographic and environmental studies and must assemble an appropriate capital stack and financing before selecting a site. Bears officials said Illinois has participated in occasional talks but has not put any written counteroffer forward; the franchise gave no timeline for a final decision or for breaking ground.

BusinessIndy examines this development and its implications for Indiana businesses and communities using the linked sources.

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