(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Chicago Bears say a proposed deal with Indiana officials represents their most significant progress yet toward building a new stadium across the state line in Hammond.
State lawmakers on Thursday unveiled a financing package tied to Senate Bill 27 that would create new restaurant and hotel taxes in northwest Indiana to support infrastructure improvements connected to the project. The plan centers on a proposed stadium site near the Wolf Lake area.
House Speaker Todd Huston said the NFL franchise would contribute about $2 billion toward construction of the stadium itself.
In a statement, the Bears said passage of the legislation "would mark the most meaningful step forward in our stadium planning efforts to date," adding that the team is continuing site-specific studies needed to move forward.
Team officials described the proposal as a framework for a "world-class stadium" intended to serve fans across the Chicago region and attract visitors nationwide.
For several years, the Bears have pursued plans for a new stadium in Arlington Heights, Illinois, but negotiations with state leaders there have stalled. Indiana officials began courting the team as an alternative, hoping to draw the franchise to northwest Indiana.
Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott called the potential development transformative for the region, noting that Indiana could become one of the few states with two NFL teams if the project moves forward, joining the Indianapolis Colts.
The proposal advanced unanimously from the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.
Gov. Mike Braun said the legislation establishes the framework for a public-private partnership, contingent on successful site studies, and emphasized the state's rapid coordination to pursue the project.
Officials cautioned that additional negotiations and approvals are still required before any final agreement is reached.