Arlington Heights or Hammond, Indiana? What to know in the Bears' stadium saga – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pexels)
The Chicago Bears face a pivotal choice this spring between staying in Illinois or crossing into Indiana for a new stadium. After years of negotiations, the team has secured a major public financing package from Indiana lawmakers for a dome in Hammond. Illinois legislators now hold the key to keeping the franchise in the state through property tax incentives that could reshape the project’s economics.
The outcome will affect not only the team’s finances but also taxpayers, suburban communities, and the city of Chicago itself. With the legislative session in Springfield set to end May 31, the window for a deal is closing quickly.
Why a New Stadium Matters to the Team
The Bears currently rent Soldier Field, the smallest venue in the NFL, from the Chicago Park District. Ownership of a larger domed stadium would let the team sell more seats and generate additional revenue from concerts and other events year-round. Team officials have made clear that revenue growth drives the push for a new facility.
The franchise explored multiple suburban sites before focusing on Arlington Heights and, more recently, Hammond. A move out of Chicago appears certain unless city leaders can revive a lakefront proposal that previously failed to win state support.
Arlington Heights Versus Hammond: Key Differences
The two locations present sharply different trade-offs for the Bears and the public. Arlington Heights offers proximity to the team’s training facility and a large suburban fan base, while Hammond provides stronger public financing but raises environmental and logistical concerns.
| Factor | Arlington Heights | Hammond, Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Public Funding | Tax incentives via megaproject legislation | At least $1 billion in taxpayer-backed bonds |
| Site Ownership | Team already owns former racetrack | State would build and lease to team |
| Tax Impact | Potential savings of hundreds of millions over 40 years | New taxes on tickets, hotels, food, and tolls |
| Challenges | High property taxes without new law | Environmental issues at former industrial site |
Illinois lawmakers are considering megaproject legislation that would allow the Bears to negotiate lower payments in place of full property taxes. Without it, annual taxes on a fully developed Arlington site could exceed $150 million.
Indiana’s Offer and Remaining Hurdles
Indiana’s package stands out for its scale. Lawmakers created a stadium authority that could cover construction costs through new taxes and a toll increase. The Bears would keep all stadium revenue and gain the option to purchase the facility for one dollar after 40 years.
The team is still reviewing the Hammond site at the Lost Marsh Golf Course, which sits near an old industrial dump and a Superfund location. Public reaction in Illinois could also turn negative if the franchise leaves the state that has supported it for decades.
What Illinois Must Resolve Before May 31
A megaproject bill passed the House last month but requires major changes to gain Senate approval and satisfy the Bears. A key sticking point involves directing half of any tax savings toward homeowner relief, which both the governor’s office and the team view as too costly.
State Sen. Bill Cunningham has expressed optimism that negotiators can reach agreement in the coming weeks. Governor JB Pritzker and legislative leaders must balance support for the project against concerns about subsidizing a franchise valued at nearly $9 billion.
The decision will determine whether the Bears remain in Illinois or build across the state line, with lasting effects on local taxpayers and the region’s sports landscape.
