Chicago Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said the team will remain the Chicago Bears whether they play in Arlington Heights, Illinois, or Hammond, Indiana. He stated, "We will be the Chicago Bears whether we’re in Arlington (Heights, Illinois) or whether we’re in Hammond," underscoring the team’s commitment to its identity despite a potential move [1, 2, 3].
The Bears are focusing on developing a new stadium near the Illinois-Indiana border, about 30 miles from their current home at Soldier Field in Chicago. The franchise’s efforts are centered on two prospective sites in Hammond: near Lost Marsh Golf Course and the Wolf Lake Terminal Site, according to Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren [1, 2, 3].
The Bears’ board voted in June 2026 to advance stadium development plans in Hammond, reflecting a formal step toward relocation outside Illinois [2, 3]. Warren explained the team is dedicating substantial time, attention, and resources to the Hammond project. He said, "Even though we've had occasional meetings with the state of Illinois, our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana. We will make sure that we take our time to get this right" [2].
The franchise, which has a 106-year history, has had limited engagement with Illinois lawmakers. Illinois did not offer the Bears a favorable property tax arrangement, while Indiana has provided tax assurances and up to $1 billion in incentives to encourage the move [3].
On the timeline for a decision or construction start, Warren declined to commit to dates. "My wife told me about six months ago don't give any more target dates so just get the work done," he said. "I think the target is the right time. We'll know when it is. But I will say we're making very, very good progress here" [3].
Recent comments from McCaskey emphasize the Bears’ official position: "Our focus is on Hammond, that's where we're advancing our efforts and that's where the bulk of our time, attention and resources are being devoted" [3].
