(INDIANAPOLIS) - A new fiscal analysis indicates northwest Indiana residents could face millions of dollars in new taxes to help fund a proposed stadium for the Chicago Bears, with costs potentially rising as tourism and event activity increases.
The report from the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency outlines revenue options included in Senate Bill 27, which would allow a state-created authority to issue bonds for stadium construction. Those bonds would be repaid through various local taxes, according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Lake and Porter counties could each adopt a 1% food-and-beverage tax by June 2027, generating an estimated $12 million to $18 million annually combined. Officials note revenues could increase if the stadium attracts more visitors.
Lake County would also be required to raise its hotel tax from 5% to 10%, producing at least $5.4 million per year, with higher totals expected once the facility is operating.
The city of Hammond could impose a 12% admissions tax on individual event tickets sold to the public. Analysts estimate that tax alone could bring in about $12 million annually, depending on attendance and event schedules.
All revenue from these taxes would go toward paying off stadium-related debt through a new Northwest Indiana Stadium Board.
The proposal also creates a Professional Sports Development Area, allowing certain state and local tax revenues -- including sales taxes, income taxes, and taxes on athletes' earnings from home games -- to be redirected to support construction, operations, and maintenance of the facility.
Additional funding could come from a renegotiation of the Indiana Toll Road lease, with potential infrastructure improvements extending to several northern Indiana counties, including Steuben and LaGrange.
The total cost of the project remains unclear, though the Chicago Bears have pledged $2 billion toward construction, and lawmakers have suggested public funding could reach $1 billion.
Senate Bill 27 is moving through the legislature during the final week of the session and must be finalized before adjournment.