The Bears Are Coming to Indiana!

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As of June 5, 2026, the Chicago Bears’ board of directors have agreed on moving forward to build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Assuming the team finalizes the building site and all legal requirements, it is projected to be completed around 2029.

 

About Hammond

Located in Lake County in Northwest Indiana, Hammond sits on the Illinois border near the Chicago metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 77,000 people, Hammond is the 8th largest city in the state of Indiana.

First settled in 1847 and incorporated as a city in 1907, Hammond was named after George H. Hammond who was in the refrigerated meat transport industry. The city became a quick industrial hub, specializing in meatpacking, railroad transport, and manufacturing.

Today, Hammond strives in a diverse economy, continuing its’ legacy in manufacturing and transportation as well as healthcare, retail, hospitality, and much more! The city is also known for its renowned casino, the Horseshoe Hammond Casino, that serves as a great tourist destination.

 

Why Are the Bears Coming to Indiana?

For several years, the Bears’ have struggled to secure a deal for a stadium to be built in Chicagoland. They have attempted at pursing a site in Arlington Heights, but many disputes over taxes caused many obstacles. As a result, the Bears’ board of directors has settled on Hammond, Indiana.

Unlike Illinois, Indiana approved roughly $1 billion towards the stadium development, making it a much more attractive option. They believe that locating a stadium in Hammond would create new investments and opportunities. In addition to the financial incentives, Hammond’s location offers easy access between Indiana and Illinois. This allows for the Bears to stay connected to the Chicago area while reaching out for growth throughout Northwest Indiana.

 

How Does This Effect Insurance?

Moving forward with the new building initiatives, this stadium project opens many opportunities for contractors, electricians, excavators, and much more! Similarly, more business developments are likely to open in proximity to the stadium, which is great for business owners. However, as development increases, property values of surrounding homes can potentially increase. This makes construction costs higher, leading to a need for larger dwelling limits. Likewise, auto rates could increase. This is a result of higher traffic activity which leads to more auto claims.

 

Overall, What to Expect

With the implementation of the new stadium to Hammond, the following could be expected:

  • Construction job opportunities
  • Business developments (hotels, restaurants, etc.)
  • Increased housing demand
  • Higher property values
  • Increased tourism
  • Increased traffic and auto claims

The Bears stadium has the potential to become one of the largest developments in Northwest Indiana! While not all details are finalized, there is many opportunities for growth and development for the region.

It is crucial to regularly review your insurance coverage to ensure that you remain protected. Speak to one of our insurance professionals at Briggs Agency, and we can help review your coverage to find the best solution for you or your business!