Overview
- The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 12-0 to advance Senate Bill 27 and separately approved 8-4 an amendment removing minority- and women-owned contracting goals.
- SB 27 would create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority, require a 35-year lease with a $1 post-lease purchase option, and allow bonding backed by local excise, food-and-beverage, and hotel taxes.
- Indiana officials have discussed up to $1 billion in state support for a state-owned venue the team would lease, and the Bears called the legislation a significant milestone.
- Gary proposed three potential sites—West End Entertainment District, Buffington Harbor, and Miller Beach—while sources report Hammond’s Wolf Lake has emerged as a leading option with survey work observed.
- Illinois is evaluating countermeasures, retaining stadium finance counsel and discussing up to $895 million in infrastructure improvements for Arlington Heights, though direct stadium funding remains off the table.