Indiana lawmakers set to approve stadium bill as Illinois inches closer to Bears deal
The Indiana Senate is set to vote as soon as Thursday afternoon on legislation that would authorize the financing and construction of a stadium in Hammond.
Pro Sports
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‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’: Hammond mayor ready for Bears stadium
The Bears are prepared to invest about $2 billion for the stadium project in Hammond, according to Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers.
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UPDATE: Amended bill paves way for potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond
As amended Thursday, Senate Bill 27 creates a financial framework for the construction of a new stadium and puts to rest speculation as to where that stadium might be built.
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Indianapolis secures NFL Scouting Combine through 2028
Other announcements made at Visit Indy’s annual State of Tourism event include the addition of two medical conventions to the city’s slate.
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In State of the State address, Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana is ‘working hard’ to attract Chicago Bears
Some say Braun’s comments signal that Indiana appears to be making headway in discussions that could bring a second NFL franchise to the Hoosier State.
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Articles
Chicago Bears say HQ, training facility would not be part of stadium deal in Indiana
Last week, the mayor of Hammond said the NFL franchise had been talking about moving “Halas Hall, everything” to Indiana.
Bears stadium bill would mean millions in tax increases, impact statement shows
The precise cost of the project is unknown at this time though the Chicago Bears have committed $2 billion and public funding could total $1 billion.
After Indiana gambit, Bears signal progress in Illinois
The back and forth comes as the team tries to advance legislation in two states without making public comments that could sour relationships or scuttle talks on either side of the border.
Jim Irsay’s memorabilia will be unified for final time at upcoming auctions
More than 300 items are displayed on Christie’s website to provide a peek at one of the most significant collections ever assembled by one person.
Bears, bonds and budgeting: Where do things stand with Indiana’s pursuit of the Chicago Bears?
After a chaotic day of hearings, statements and press conferences across two states, Indiana is in a better position to land the site for the charter NFL franchise’s home games than it was a week ago. Here’s where things stand.
Indy stadium board distributes survey seeking feedback on Major League Soccer effort
Indianapolis has been in pursuit of an MLS club since April 2024, when Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the city’s intent to use the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport in a stadium and mixed-use district.
Chicago Bears affirm interest in Hammond as House considers amended stadium bill
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Bears said they are “committed” to continuing their exploration of a targeted development site near Hammond.
Pacers fined $100K for holding out starters in Feb. 3 matchup with Utah Jazz
The NBA’s player participation policy was put in place in September 2023 to try to discourage clubs from purposely losing in order to improve their chances with the draft lottery.
Key state lawmaker casts doubt on Indianapolis’ aspirations for MLS stadium
For the second time in as many months, a state lawmaker is questioning the city’s chances of financing a potential Major League Soccer stadium.
Portage pitches $5B lakefront stadium, entertainment district to Chicago Bears
Halas Harbor, named for the team’s founder, George Halas, is being billed as a privately funded, shovel-ready site that could break ground as early as June of this year.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese unite on a star-studded US World Cup qualifying roster
Fellow Indiana Fever player Aliyah Boston, who played for the U.S. at the Olympic qualifying tournament in 2024, rounds out the squad.
Portage mayor to make pitch for Chicago Bears stadium site
Portage is the latest community to throw its hat into the ring following a December announcement from Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren that the team is expanding its search for a new stadium site to include northwest Indiana.
US figure skater Amber Glenn resolves copyright issue with a Canadian music artist at the Olympics
The process for obtaining copyright permission is confusing and prone to mistakes, and several skaters at the Milan Cortina Games have had to change programs at the last minute because of it.
City disputes Chuck Surack’s claims that MLS effort is dead
Surack told Fox 59/CBS 4 over the weekend that in 2025 he was told by those involved in the effort that the stadium plan was no longer moving forward. He said he heard similar remarks from city hall.
Alex Palou ordered to pay McLaren Racing $12M in breach of contract suit
The IndyCar driver said after the ruling that he was “disappointed that any damages have been awarded to McLaren” but has not decided on his next legal step.
UPDATE: Key lawmaker wants Bears commitment before finalizing stadium bill
Gov. Mike Braun told IBJ on Thursday that he hopes more concrete developments regarding the Chicago Bears’ potential move to northwest Indiana could come “within 10 days or a couple weeks.”
Legislative committee sends amended Bears stadium bill to full Senate
The vote came after little discussion and no testimony—no one from the public signed up to talk about the bill.
UPDATE: Gary Mayor Eddie Melton: ‘We made a lot of noise’ by rolling out Bears proposal
The public push by the northwest Indiana city, which includes a website called BearStadiumDistrict.com, comes after state lawmakers introduced a framework for the development of a new stadium governing body and financing mechanism.
Illinois governor says Soldier Field debt not all on the Bears
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said the debt “is not the core issue” in making a deal to keep the Bears in Illinois.