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The Chicago Bears took a significant step toward securing a new home Thursday when the franchise’s Board of Directors voted to advance a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The vote marks the first time the Bears’ board has formally voted on a potential stadium site, signaling that the organization’s long-running search for a new venue may be entering its final stages ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
Schefter shared the update Friday on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Bears’ Board of Directors voted Thursday to advance the stadium development in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site to be selected. This is the first time that the Bears’ board has voted on any stadium site.
“As one source said, ‘There is more work to do but barring anything very strange, it’s a done deal.’”
Shortly after Schefter’s report, the Bears released a statement confirming the board’s decision and outlining the organization’s vision for the project.
“Yesterday, the Chicago Bears Board of Directors met and voted to advance our stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana with the exact site to be selected. We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana to the South Side of Chicago through the loop and across neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city. It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”
The development represents a major shift in the Bears’ stadium efforts after years of exploring options in Illinois, including a proposed project in Arlington Heights. The organization has evaluated multiple locations as it seeks a modern facility capable of generating additional revenue streams and hosting major events beyond NFL games.
The board vote also comes days after a setback in Illinois. On Monday, the Bears failed to secure the legislative support necessary for a property tax measure tied to keeping the project in the state.
Reporter Brenden Moore provided an update on the situation, writing on X:
“Breaking: The Illinois House is about to adjourn. They won’t vote on the Bears’ stadium bill that was just sent over from the Senate. Unless a special session is called this summer, they won’t be back until November.”
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport later confirmed the outcome.
“The Illinois House ended its legislative session early this morning without final passage of a bill to support a #Bears stadium in Illinois.”
Following that legislative setback, the Bears maintained that they were still evaluating both Arlington Heights and Hammond before reaching a final decision.
“We will finalize our evaluation of both Arlington Heights and Hammond and remain on the late spring/early summer timeline that we have previously communicated. We will provide an update when we have a decision to share.”
If the Hammond project ultimately moves forward, it would represent one of the most significant developments in franchise history. The [Bears have played at Soldier Field since...
