Bears Chairman McCaskey Confirms Due Diligence on Second Hammond Site
Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey offered a fresh glimpse into the team's stadium pursuit on Monday, confirming that the organization is actively evaluating a second potential location in Hammond, Indiana. Speaking briefly to reporters before a walk-through practice at Stevenson High School, McCaskey stated, "We're doing some due diligence on a second site in Hammond. I think Kevin (Warren) and I will have more to report in the coming days."
The announcement comes just days before a scheduled press conference at Halas Hall on Thursday, where team president Kevin Warren and McCaskey are expected to provide a long-awaited update on the project. This marks the first substantive public comment from the team's leadership on the stadium front since the NFL owners meetings earlier this year.
A Shift Westward: The Wolf Lake Terminals Option
According to reports from NBC Chicago's Mary Ann Ahern, the team has been examining a site known as Wolf Lake Terminals. Located just west of Interstate 90 and southwest of Lost Marsh Golf Course, the proposed location sits a mere 19 miles from downtown Chicago, placing it close to the Illinois-Indiana state line. Soil samples have already been collected and analyzed, and officials are reportedly hopeful that environmental hurdles that plagued earlier Hammond locations can be overcome at this new site.
McCaskey's comments also included a pointed response regarding any progress on the Illinois side of the border. When asked if there had been any movement in negotiations with state officials, his answer was a succinct and emphatic "No." This statement effectively extinguishes any lingering hopes of a special session in Springfield this month and pushes any potential Illinois legislative action to at least the November session.
The High-Stakes Battle for the Bears' Future Home
The stadium saga has reached a critical juncture after a turbulent legislative session in Illinois. Following the failure of the so-called "PILOT" bill—which sought to establish predictable long-term property tax rules for the team's Arlington Heights property—the Bears formally pivoted their focus to northwest Indiana. Indiana officials had previously paved the way for a potential move by approving up to $1 billion in incentives and other benefits designed to lure the franchise across state lines.
From Arlington Heights to the Hoosier State
The Bears' search has been a winding road. After years of exploring the Arlington International Racecourse site they purchased in 2021, the team's ambitions were effectively stalled by a combination of property tax disputes and a lack of political will in Springfield. Governor J.B. Pritzker has not offered the financial backing or legislative support the team has sought, leaving the Bears to look elsewhere.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who signed the incentive bill earlier this year, remains publicly optimistic about finalizing a deal. "I'd say we're in the red zone," Braun said recently. "I've done so much real estate in my career. Until you ink it, it's not done, but it's moved a long distance."
The Bigger Picture: NFL Stadium Issues and the Bears' Decision
The Bears' situation in Chicago is unfolding against a backdrop of broader stadium concerns across the NFL. The league is absorbing the problematic opening of the Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium, a $2.2 billion facility in Orchard Park, New York, which has drawn criticism for obstructed views, steep upper decks, and inadequate weather protection.
The issues in Buffalo serve as a cautionary tale as the Bears evaluate their options. Moving to a site near Hammond's industrial zones raises questions about aesthetics, infrastructure, and long-term fan experience. The Wolf Lake Terminals location, while closer to Chicago, sits in close proximity to oil refineries and the aging Chicago Skyway, presenting potential logistical and environmental challenges.
What Thursday's Update Means for the Franchise
Thursday's press conference is expected to provide much-needed clarity on the timeline and specific details of the Hammond proposal. For Bears fans, the wait has been particularly tense. The team remains under pressure from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to finalize a decision. The league has expressed a desire for the Bears to commit to a home, whether that be in Arlington Heights, Hammond, or a renovated Soldier Field, so it can plan for the future.
A move to Indiana would be a seismic shift for a franchise that has been a cornerstone of Chicago sports culture for over a century. However, the financial incentives and a smoother regulatory path may prove irresistible. Conversely, if the Thursday update reveals unforeseen snags in the Hammond negotiations, the door could potentially reopen for a late-stage compromise in Illinois, though McCaskey's terse "No" suggests that any such development would require a monumental change of heart from state leadership.
The coming days will be pivotal. The Bears have repeatedly stated their intention to announce a final decision by the end of the summer. With training camp underway and the 2026 regular season approaching, the clock is ticking for the franchise to lay down roots and end the decade-long saga of uncertainty over where the team will ultimately call home.
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