(Statehouse) – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers), Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka), and Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott on Thursday announced the framework to build a new world-class stadium for the Chicago Bears in Northwest Indiana.
The leaders are urging the Indiana House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 27, which establishes the Northwest Indiana stadium authority. The proposed legislation passed out of the House Ways and Means committee Thursday morning.
“Indiana is open for business, and our pro-growth environment continues to attract major opportunities like this partnership with the Chicago Bears. We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal. The amendment to Senate Bill 27 puts forward the essential framework to complete this agreement, contingent upon site due diligence proceeding smoothly,” said Gov. Braun. “The State of Indiana moves at the speed of business, and we’ve demonstrated that through our quick coordination between state agencies, local government, and the legislature to set the stage for a huge win for all Hoosiers. We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.”
“This project represents a transformational investment for Northwest Indiana and our state that will bring economic and population growth, tourism and revitalization to the region. This has been a tremendous team effort on a historic project, and I’m grateful to our state and local partners and the ownership and leadership of the Chicago Bears for making it possible,” said Huston. “I look forward to seeing Mayor McDermott and our Northwest Indiana communities seize this opportunity.”
Mishler authored the bill in the Senate, where it passed 46-2.
“I appreciate the collaboration with the Chicago Bears’ leadership team as we’ve explored the possibility of the Bears moving to Indiana,” said Mishler. “The House committee passage of SB 27 brings us one step closer in the process, and I look forward to continuing to foster our working relationship with them as we demonstrate why Indiana would be a great place for the Bears.”
State leaders say the City of Hammond is a strong partner in finalizing the details of the project.
“Bringing the Chicago Bears to Hammond and Northwest Indiana is truly transformative,” said Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott. “I want to thank Governor Braun, Speaker Huston and Senator Mishler for their leadership in getting this deal done. I look forward to continuing to be a strong local partner in this project that will change Hammond and Northwest Indiana for future generations.”
