Bears president says new stadium plans focus on Hammond, Indiana

Bears president and chief executive Kevin Warren told reporters that the organization’s “sole focus” is constructing a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, as the NFL’s 2026 regular season approaches. He said due-diligence work has been completed on one site in Hammond and that a second nearby parcel has also been identified, with the possibility of combining the two locations.

Warren noted that the deal is not finalized and that the option of building in Illinois remains open, although meetings with Illinois lawmakers have been “minimal” since the state legislature adjourned in March and no concrete progress has been made. While he has previously ruled out a Chicago stadium, he did not completely dismiss the idea.

The team’s leadership emphasized the urgency of moving forward, citing a projected increase of $150 million per year in construction costs. When asked about a timeline, Warren declined to provide a specific date, saying his wife advised him to stop offering projected dates.

The Bears’ stadium plans are now a focal point for both Indiana and Illinois officials as they consider the potential impact on regional sports infrastructure.