Indiana, January 30, 2026
The Indiana Senate has approved Senate Bill 27, establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority to facilitate the construction of a new NFL stadium, potentially housing the Chicago Bears. With a resounding 46-2 vote, the bill aims to finance the stadium using lease rental payments and local tax revenues. Support from Governor Mike Braun highlights Indiana’s ambitions to become a competitive player for NFL franchises. The City of Gary is proposing several suitable locations for the development, setting the stage for a possible new chapter in the region’s professional football landscape.
Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana Senate Approves Bill to Finance NFL Stadium with Eye on Chicago Bears
The Indiana Senate has taken a significant step towards attracting a major NFL franchise by passing Senate Bill 27, which establishes the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This initiative focuses on the potential construction of a new NFL stadium that could serve the Chicago Bears. The bill, which received overwhelming support with a 46-2 vote, now heads to the Indiana House for further deliberation.
Details of Senate Bill 27
Senate Bill 27 is a legislative effort that creates the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, a public entity empowered to acquire land, issue long-term bonds, and finance the building of a professional football stadium along with related amenities. Under this bill, the state would retain ownership of the stadium, while an NFL team would lease the facility under a binding agreement for a minimum of 35 years. The financing for the bond payments is proposed to primarily come from lease rental payments, with an allowance for funding through local tax revenues, such as excise taxes, food and beverage taxes, and innkeeper’s taxes. However, the specifics regarding which taxes will be utilized and the amount of revenue pledged remain unspecified.
Governor’s Support
In a show of support for this measure, Governor Mike Braun has emphasized the importance of this initiative in positioning Indiana as a competitive player for attracting NFL franchises. His assertion underscores a broader narrative celebrating the state’s business-friendly environment, which many believe can excite economic growth.
Potential Stadium Locations
The City of Gary is championing three potential locations for this ambitious project: the Gary West End Entertainment District adjacent to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, Buffington Harbor, and Miller Beach. These sites are being marketed as “plug-and-play,” indicating a readiness for development that can expedite the construction process should the proposal move forward.
Background Context
The Chicago Bears, in their quest for a new stadium, have explored various avenues, including plans for a $4.7 billion development on the Chicago lakefront. This proposal, however, faced significant opposition from lawmakers in Illinois. Additionally, the team has purchased the former Arlington International Racecourse property in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for $197 million, but negotiations for its development have not progressed as expected. Indiana’s proposal presents an alternative that might attract the Bears’ interest, potentially leading to an exciting new chapter for professional football in the region.
Next Steps
Following the Senate’s passage of the bill, the next phase involves consideration by the Indiana House. If it gains approval there, it will require the governor’s signature to become law. Establishing the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority would subsequently pave the way for the construction of a new NFL stadium, filling a vital role in enhancing local economic prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 27?
Senate Bill 27 is legislation passed by the Indiana Senate to establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, a public entity authorized to acquire land, issue long-term bonds, and finance the construction of a professional football stadium and related facilities.
What does the bill entail?
The bill creates the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, which would be responsible for acquiring land, constructing the stadium, and issuing bonds to finance the project. The state would own the stadium, while an NFL franchise would lease the facility under a long-term agreement. The bill requires any NFL team leasing the stadium to commit to a lease of at least 35 years. Bond payments would be made primarily from lease rental payments, which the legislation allows to be funded through local tax revenues, including proceeds from local excise taxes, food and beverage taxes, and innkeeper’s taxes. The bill does not specify which local taxes would be used or how much revenue would be pledged, however.
Who supports the bill?
Governor Mike Braun has expressed support for the bill, stating, “Indiana is open for business and the Chicago Bears have taken notice.”
Where are the proposed stadium locations?
The City of Gary has proposed three potential sites for the new stadium: the Gary West End Entertainment District adjacent to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, Buffington Harbor, and Miller Beach. These locations are referred to as “plug-and-play” sites, ready for immediate development by the new Stadium Authority.
What is the background of this proposal?
The Chicago Bears have been exploring options for a new stadium, including a proposed $4.7 billion complex on the lakefront in Chicago, which faced opposition from Illinois lawmakers. The team also purchased the former Arlington International Racecourse property in Arlington Heights, Illinois, for $197 million, but negotiations have stalled. Indiana’s proposal aims to provide an alternative by offering a new stadium in northwest Indiana.
What are the next steps?
With the Senate’s approval, the bill now moves to the Indiana House for further consideration. If passed, it will require Governor Braun’s signature to become law. The establishment of the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority would then proceed, potentially paving the way for the construction of a new NFL stadium in the region.
Key Features of Senate Bill 27
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Establishment of Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority | A public entity authorized to acquire land, issue long-term bonds, and finance the construction of a professional football stadium and related facilities. |
| Stadium Ownership and Lease | The state would own the stadium, while an NFL franchise would lease the facility under a long-term agreement of at least 35 years. |
| Funding Mechanisms | Bond payments would be made primarily from lease rental payments, which the legislation allows to be funded through local tax revenues, including proceeds from local excise taxes, food and beverage taxes, and innkeeper’s taxes. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Indianapolis Public Schools Faces Significant Enrollment Decline
WWE’s WrestleMania Expected to Bring Major Events to Indianapolis
Indiana Senate Approves Legislation Affecting Schools and Sports
Omar Cooper Jr. Declares for NFL Draft
Indianapolis Colts Target Defensive Prospects for NFL Draft
NFL Tours Indianapolis for Draft Host Site Evaluation
Indianapolis Aims to Secure NFL Draft Hosting Rights
Indiana Lawmakers Advance Key Legislative Proposals
NFL Scouting Combine Secures Indianapolis Venue Through 2028
Indiana Hoosiers Clinch National Championship Against Miami
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
