A Transformational Opportunity for Northwest Indiana

By the Northwest Indiana Forum

Northwest Indiana has always believed in its potential. That belief is matched by real momentum.

The Indiana House committee’s unanimous passage of legislation paving the way for a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority marks an important advancement in positioning our region for transformational opportunity. The amendment to Senate Bill 27 establishes the framework to issue bonds, acquire land, and finance construction of a potential new stadium near Wolf Lake. The Chicago Bears have called this action a meaningful step forward.

This is not solely a project for Lake County; this is a project that has elevated the perception of Northwest Indiana across the country. Major development projects like this require public private partnerships in order to move forward. The mechanisms in Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority legislation are similar to the legislation that was created for Lucas Oil Stadium and Gamebridge Fieldhouse. I realize this is not something people deal with every day and may prompt important questions about financing. The legislative framework under consideration includes tools such as a food and beverage tax mechanism dedicated to supporting stadium development. It is important to clarify what this means and what it does not mean. A food and beverage tax, as structured in similar development contexts, applies to prepared food and beverage purchases when dining out — not to staple grocery items purchased at the supermarket. It is a targeted implementation tool designed to support a specific project, not a broad increase on household grocery bills.

In other words, everyday grocery shopping would not be subject to a new tax under this structure. Instead, the mechanism focuses on prepared food and beverage transactions, ensuring that funding is tied to activity connected to dining and hospitality — sectors that would directly benefit from increased visitation and economic growth.

Indiana has demonstrated that it can put responsible financial frameworks in place while remaining competitive and fiscally prudent. The unanimous support for SB 27 underscores that lawmakers see this as a strategic opportunity worth pursuing carefully and thoughtfully.

At the Northwest Indiana Forum, we see this as far more than a stadium discussion. It reflects years of work strengthening our region’s business climate and the Chicago media coverage throughout this process has demonstrated this. Our communities have been featured prominently, putting Northwest Indiana’s best foot forward. The attention has been intense and it has served as a powerful commercial for Northwest Indiana.

Recruiting the Chicago Bears would be transformational. A project of this magnitude would elevate our region’s national profile, catalyze private investment, attract visitors, and open the door to future major projects. We are excited not only about this opportunity, but about what it could unlock for our entire region. I encourage local elected officials to stand united for this investment as it continues to raise the perception of our wonderful region.

Let’s show that together, Northwest Indiana is ready. We are optimistic, enthusiastic, and prepared to seize the transformational opportunity before us.