Trending Now - Bears and Hammond Officials Discuss Urgent Stadium Location Decision

WHO:

Chicago Sun-Times - Bears chairman George McCaskey and president/CEO Kevin Warren met with Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.

ESPN NFL - The Chicago Bears organization.

WHAT:

Chicago Sun-Times - The meeting was characterized as a step in due diligence regarding a potential move to Indiana.

Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears are considering a move from Soldier Field after 50 years.

Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears expect to make a decision by late spring or early summer of 2026.

Chicago Sun-Times - The Illinois House of Representatives could vote on PILOT legislation next week.

WHERE:

Chicago Sun-Times - The meeting took place at Lost Marsh Golf Club near Wolf Lake, Indiana.

Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears own 326 acres in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

WHEN:

Chicago Sun-Times - The meeting occurred on Friday, April 15th, 2026.

Chicago Sun-Times - The Illinois House is in session from April 19th to April 21st, 2026, before returning on May 5th, 2026.

Chicago Sun-Times - The General Assembly session closes on May 31st, 2026.

WHY:

Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears are exploring options for a new stadium due to ongoing negotiations regarding property taxes with Arlington Heights.

Chicago Sun-Times - Indiana established the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to issue bonds for stadium financing.

HOW:

Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears are working with Indiana leaders to complete necessary due diligence for the Hammond site.

Chicago Sun-Times - The Bears would need to negotiate the tax rate with Arlington Heights and receive infrastructure funding if they remain in Illinois.

(UPDATED April 18, 2026 05:32 UTC)

The Chicago Bears are exploring a potential move to Indiana after 50 years at Soldier Field, with chairman George McCaskey and president/CEO Kevin Warren meeting with Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. on Wednesday to discuss the matter, which is part of their due diligence process. The Bears own 326 acres in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and are currently negotiating property taxes while also considering infrastructure funding if they decide to stay in Illinois. A vote on PILOT legislation by the Illinois House of Representatives is expected next week, with the Bears aiming to make a decision on their future by late spring or early summer of 2026.