THE FOLLOWING RELEASE IS FROM INDIANA STATE REP BEN SMALTZ’S OFFICE
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2026) – State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) recently co-authored legislation 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 would authorize the stadium authority to acquire land, issue long-term bonds and finance construction of a stadium and related facilities. The authority would 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.
Smaltz said that the proposed legislation 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.
“As a lifelong NFL fan, it’s exciting to see the possibility of bringing the Chicago Bears, one of the greatest football brands in the NFL, alongside the Colts, to Indiana,” said Smaltz, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “A modern stadium and surrounding development would attract world-class events and private investments, create jobs and strengthen northwest Indiana’s economy while benefiting the entire state. By using a user-funded model, we can pursue a transformational project while protecting Hoosier taxpayers who may never attend an event at this venue.”
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.
Smaltz 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. Smaltz noted that similar targeted projects in northeast Indiana have generated nearly $2 billion in capital investment in recent years, including more than $1 billion in downtown Fort Wayne.
Senate Enrolled Act 27 recently passed out of the House and now moves to the governor for consideration. To learn more about legislation passed by the General Assembly, click here.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
