STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2026) – The governor recently signed into law legislation co-sponsored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) to create the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority and a financing framework for a proposed stadium aimed at bringing the Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana while driving regional growth and protecting Hoosier taxpayers.
Senate Enrolled Act 27 authorizes the stadium authority to acquire land, issue long-term bonds and finance construction of a stadium and related facilities. The authority will be governed by a seven-member board including the Indiana Office of Management and Budget director or representative, an additional OMB appointee, the state's public finance director and four local officials from Porter and Lake counties.
Soliday said that the law follows a user-pay model, with bond repayment tied primarily to lease payments supported by stadium-generated revenue and local, event-related taxes within a designated district, such as admissions, food, beverage and innkeeper taxes. This approach is intended to ensure those attending games, concerts and other events at the stadium help fund the project rather than Hoosier taxpayers statewide.
"Stadiums aren't just for football, but also host concerts and other large-scale events," Soliday said. "This law sets the groundwork for a new facility to bring the Bears to Indiana while also adding entertainment options and economic growth to the northwest region of our state."
Under the proposal, the state would own the facility, while the Chicago Bears would lease and operate the stadium under a long-term agreement of at least 35 years and be responsible for operations, maintenance and improvements. Bonds issued for the project could carry maturities of up to 40 years.
Soliday added that the framework mirrors successful financing models used for major sports venues in Indiana, including Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, which shows the type of strategic regional collaboration that has helped fuel growth across the state.
To learn more about legislation passed during the 2026 session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
