The governor has signed new legislation co-sponsored by State Representative Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) to establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority and a financial plan for a proposed stadium. The project aims to attract the Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana, promote regional development, and protect taxpayers.
Senate Enrolled Act 27 gives the stadium authority power to acquire land, issue long-term bonds, and finance construction of a stadium and related facilities. The authority will be overseen by a seven-member board made up of representatives from the Indiana Office of Management and Budget, the state’s public finance director, and four local officials from Porter and Lake counties.
According to Soliday, the law uses a user-pay model. Bond repayment will rely mainly on lease payments supported by revenue generated at the stadium and local taxes tied to events in a designated district. These include admissions, food, beverage, and innkeeper taxes. This method is designed so that those attending games or other events at the stadium contribute to funding the project rather than taxpayers across Indiana.
“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.”
The proposal states that the facility would be owned by the state. The Chicago Bears would lease and operate it under an agreement lasting at least 35 years, taking responsibility for operations, maintenance, and improvements. Bonds for this project could have maturities up to 40 years.
Soliday noted that this framework follows successful financing models used in other major sports venues in Indiana such as Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. He said these strategies show how regional collaboration can support growth throughout the state.
For more information about legislation passed during the 2026 session, visit iga.in.gov.
Speaker Todd Huston has played an active role in civic leadership through service on education boards and community commissions in Indiana according to his profile on the Indiana House Republicans website. He has expanded Indiana’s Choice Scholarship program and championed measures supporting tax relief and school choice (source). Huston resides in Fishers with his family and has served as state representative since 2012 (source). He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University (source).
