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2d ago

Indiana Enacts Bears Stadium Framework as Illinois Tax Bill Pauses for March Return

Legislative calendars now give Indiana a head start, with Illinois’ House not taking up its megaprojects bill again until mid-March.

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State Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, walks to his desk at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis shortly before the Senate passed a bill Feb. 26, 2026, that outlines a financial structure for a Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Dec 26, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; The Chicago Bears logo is seen at midfield prior to a game between the Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed SB 27, establishing a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority with bonding power and event, hotel, and food-and-beverage taxes to finance a Hammond stadium.
  • The Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee advanced a megaprojects bill to allow long-term property tax certainty at Arlington Heights, but the full House recessed until mid-March.
  • The Bears said they appreciate both states’ actions and are continuing due diligence without committing to Hammond or Arlington Heights.
  • Tax concerns intensified in both states, with Americans for Prosperity warning of burdens on homeowners and small businesses in Illinois and Indiana residents and AFP-Indiana criticizing new ticket, hotel and food taxes.
  • Key context: the Bears own the 326-acre Arlington Park site; the Soldier Field lease runs to 2033 with an early-termination payment reported around $86–90 million, and Chicago lawmakers are seeking concessions and community benefits if the team leaves the city.