Chicago Bears Eye Indiana Move as New Stadium Testing Begins
Hammond, Thursday, 13 August 2026.
The Chicago Bears are actively conducting soil testing in Hammond, Indiana, for a potential domed stadium, backed by up to $1 billion in state incentives to cross state lines.
Stadium Deal Timeline and Expectations
Negotiations between the city of Hammond, Indiana, and the Chicago Bears regarding a potential new NFL stadium could result in a formal agreement by September 2026 [1]. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott indicated that while a stadium agreement is not expected to be finalized until the Bears complete their due diligence on the site, an update was anticipated as soon as September [1][2]. Today, on 13 August 2026, stakeholders are awaiting further clarity following reports that the team planned an announcement on 12 August 2026 [3]. The prospective move across state lines underscores the competitive nature of municipal economic development strategies involving major sports franchises [1].
Economic Incentives and State Competition
The financial framework for the relocation involves significant public-private partnerships, with Indiana state officials pledging up to $1 billion in incentives to attract the franchise [3]. This offer emerged following the failure of a similar bill in the Illinois General Assembly, prompting the Bears to shift focus toward Indiana for potential redevelopment opportunities [3]. Indiana Governor Mike Braun confirmed weekly contact with the organization, describing the project as a major economic development event for the state [4]. The competition highlights how local municipalities utilize tax incentives to secure long-term commercial redevelopment projects [1].
Site Due Diligence and Legislative Context
Physical groundwork is already underway, with soil testing and boring operations currently occurring at a site near Wolf Lake Terminals in Hammond [3][4]. Bears Chairman George McCaskey confirmed the team is conducting due diligence on a second site in Hammond, though no movement has been reported on the team’s Arlington Heights property [3]. Meanwhile, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch stated on 11 August 2026 that no special legislative session would be held for the Bears, deferring substantive discussions to the veto session [4]. As of 13 August 2026, the status of the announced update remains pending verification [alert! ‘Confirmation of the 13 August 2026 announcement status is pending as of the current writing time’].