Bears Focus on New Stadium in Hammond, Indiana

As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Chicago Bears are concentrating on establishing a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Kevin Warren, the team's president and CEO, stated that the organization is focused solely on this project.

Warren indicated that due diligence has been conducted on one site in Hammond, with another potential site also identified. He mentioned the possibility of combining these sites, suggesting they are near each other. However, negotiations are ongoing, and discussions with Illinois lawmakers have been limited since the end of the spring legislative session in March.

While Warren has previously dismissed the idea of a new stadium in Chicago, he did not completely rule it out. He emphasized the urgency of moving forward, noting that the estimated cost of the new stadium is rising by $150 million annually. The Bears face a critical decision as they weigh their options, with the potential for Indiana to host a second NFL franchise alongside the Colts.