Chicago Bears Expand Stadium Search to Northwest Indiana Amid State Funding Hurdles

In a bold move that has stunned fans and officials alike, the Chicago Bears announced that their search for a new stadium site now includes northwest Indiana. The announcement came in an open letter to supporters, in which Bears President Kevin Warren detailed the team’s frustrations with state lawmakers and their determination to secure a world‑class venue.

The Letter to Fans

Warren began the letter by noting that months earlier the Bears had expressed hope to begin construction on a new stadium in Arlington Heights. The team has insisted that this push is not a “play for leverage,” but a genuine effort to deliver a stadium that meets championship standards. “Our fans deserve a world‑class stadium,” he wrote, adding that players and coaches deserve a venue that matches the level of competition they pursue daily.

No Public Money Requested

A key point in the letter is that the Bears have never asked for public money to build the stadium itself. Instead, the organization has sought state assistance for local infrastructure improvements around the potential site. Warren explained that the team requested a commitment to essential local infrastructure—roads, utilities, and site improvements—that he said is “more than typical for projects of this size.”

Property Tax Certainty

In addition to infrastructure, the Bears have requested reasonable property tax certainty to secure financing for the project. Warren emphasized that the team listened to state leadership and relied on their guidance, yet felt their efforts had been met with no legislative partnership. He noted that the lack of support has made it difficult to move forward.

State Lawmakers’ Response

State lawmakers in Springfield have been unresponsive to the Bears’ requests. Warren said that officials have told the team that the stadium project “will not be a priority in 2026.” This statement underscores the uncertainty surrounding the project’s future in Illinois.

Governor Pritzker’s Reaction

A spokesperson for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called the open letter a “startling slap in the face” to Bears fans. The statement read: “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 Perspective

The governor’s spokesperson also highlighted that the Governor is a Bears fan who has always wanted the team to stay in Chicago. The spokesperson added that while the Bears are a private business that makes their own decisions, the bottom line for any private business development should not come at the full expense of taxpayers. This sentiment reflects the tension between public support and private enterprise.

Expanding to Northwest Indiana

Given the lack of progress in Illinois, the Bears are now exploring options in northwest Indiana. The expansion of the search is a direct response to the state’s reluctance to provide the necessary infrastructure and tax support.

Indiana’s New Sports Initiative

The move to northwest Indiana aligns with recent legislative efforts in the state. House Bill 1292, which passed by large margins in the Indiana legislature, created the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission. The commission’s purpose is to “attract professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana,” according to the bill’s text.

Rep. Earl Harris on Economic Development

Indiana State Representative Earl Harris praised the bill, stating that “Northwest Indiana has a unique opportunity for economic development.” He added that the region’s proximity to Chicago makes it an attractive location for professional sports teams, promising “great investments and jobs” for the community.

The Bigger Picture

The Bears’ search for a new stadium reflects broader discussions about sports franchise relocation and public funding. While the team insists that the goal is a world‑class facility for fans and players, the lack of state support in Illinois has pushed them to look elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

• The Bears now include northwest Indiana in their stadium search.
• No public money has been requested for stadium construction.
• State lawmakers have declined to prioritize the project in 2026.
• Indiana’s new commission seeks to attract professional sports franchises.
• Governor Pritzker’s spokesperson criticized the Bears’ letter as a slap to fans.

Closing Thoughts

The Bears’ open letter has ignited a debate about the role of public funding in sports infrastructure and the future of the team’s home field. Whether the team ultimately builds a new stadium in Illinois or relocates to Indiana remains to be seen, but the conversation has already shifted the landscape of Chicago sports.