Political leaders across Northwest Indiana are stepping up efforts to attract the Chicago Bears after the team announced it is broadening its search for a new stadium beyond Arlington Heights and into the wider Chicagoland region.
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The Bears confirmed this week that Northwest Indiana is now among the locations being evaluated, a move that has intensified debate on both sides of the state line. While Illinois and Chicago officials are pushing to keep the team in-state, Indiana leaders say they are ready to welcome the franchise if negotiations in Illinois stall.
Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren outlined the expanded search in an open letter released Wednesday, citing ongoing challenges in securing legislative support in Illinois.
The broader evaluation stems from what Warren described as a lack of cooperation from state lawmakers to provide “reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing” and to fund surrounding infrastructure needed for a new stadium and entertainment district.
"We have been told directly by State leadership, our project will not be a priority in 2026, despite the benefits it will bring to Illinois," Warren's letter read in part. "Consequently, in addition to Arlington Park, we need to expand our search and critically evaluate opportunities throughout the wider Chicagoland region, including Northwest Indiana. This is not about leverage. We spent years trying to build a new home in Cook County. We invested significant time and resources evaluating multiple sites and rationally decided on Arlington Heights."
In Northwest Indiana, leaders in Hammond and Gary have begun positioning their cities as viable alternatives. Supporters point to available land, transportation access and proximity to downtown Chicago as advantages, especially as Illinois lawmakers have yet to agree on infrastructure funding tied to a new stadium.
"They are pushing the Bears to look at other options," said Marc Ganis with Sportscorp Ltd.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton’s office released a statement emphasizing the region’s readiness to support a major professional sports franchise.
"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."
Indiana Governor Mike Braun also voiced support for pursuing the team, posting on social media that the state is prepared to work with the Bears on a new stadium project.
"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."
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Illinois leaders, however, pushed back strongly against the idea of the Bears leaving the state. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reiterated his desire to keep the team in the city.
"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."
Governor JB Pritzker’s office also issued a statement criticizing the possibility of relocation while reiterating concerns over taxpayer funding.
"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."
Officials in Arlington Heights, the Bears’ preferred site in recent months, acknowledged the expanded search but said they remain confident their location remains the best option.
"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.'"
The Bears have previously explored Indiana as a potential home in the mid-1990s before Soldier Field was renovated. With negotiations now expanding beyond Illinois, the future location of the franchise remains uncertain as discussions continue on infrastructure funding, tax policy and regional cooperation.
Originally reported by Stephanie Wade and John Garcia in ABC 7 Chicago.
