Sports

RandySF

(82,788 posts) Sat Feb 21, 2026, 01:12 PM Saturday

Chicago Bears call Indiana deal 'step forward' for building new stadium in Hammond

For all the celebration by Indiana officials of a deal with the Chicago Bears, lots still needs to happen before the team crosses the state line to build its new stadium in Hammond.

Top Indiana legislative leaders released a plan Thursday including new county restaurant and hotel taxes in northwest Indiana to help finance infrastructure work and bonds connected to the project.

House Speaker Todd Huston said the Bears would invest $2 billion toward the stadium.

But there is not yet a final deal, which was clear from the couched statements from the Bears, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and other state officials.

https://heartlandsignal.com/2026/02/19/chicago-bears-call-indiana-deal-step-forward-for-building-new-stadium-in-hammond/

4 replies

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Chicago Bears call Indiana deal 'step forward' for building new stadium in Hammond (Original Post) RandySF Saturday OP

When will local, state, and fed. officials quit supporting these billionaire-owned franchises? SWBTATTReg Saturday #1

Well, now Chicago won't have to anymore MichMan Saturday #4

At least they aren't moving to Gary ... VMA131Marine Saturday #2

WHAT?!?! NCDem47 Saturday #3

SWBTATTReg

(26,176 posts)

1. When will local, state, and fed. officials quit supporting these billionaire-owned franchises?

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Sat Feb 21, 2026, 01:34 PM

Saturday

I'm speaking as a former Cardinals football (minor) fan (the Cardinals left STLMO in search of yet more money...but we won tons of money in suing them and winning).

MichMan

(16,959 posts)

4. Well, now Chicago won't have to anymore

Reply to SWBTATTReg (Reply #1)

Sat Feb 21, 2026, 03:56 PM

Saturday

Although the city and state will be taking a hit on income taxes collected from visiting and home players and staff since they no longer work in the city.

VMA131Marine

(5,221 posts)

2. At least they aren't moving to Gary ...

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Sat Feb 21, 2026, 02:05 PM

Saturday

But traffic on game day in that area is going to be awful. Soldier Field is well served by public transit.

NCDem47

(3,385 posts)

3. WHAT?!?!

Reply to RandySF (Original post)

Sat Feb 21, 2026, 02:46 PM

Saturday

Not in or from Chicago, but have family there. Isn't it generally considered that most of the Chicago wealth is north of downtown? Monied season ticket holders and corporate skyboxers are going to schlep down to to NW Indiana on game day? I realize its all part of same MSA and commuting long distances is already part of the mega metropolis ethos...but this feels...out there. Especially with a franchise so storied and tied to the City of Chicago.

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