The Chicago Bears have commenced soil testing at a potential stadium location near Wolf Lake Terminal in Hammond, Indiana, as they continue to evaluate sites for a new stadium. The site is located west of Interstate 90 and adjacent to the original area the team had proposed for development.

In a statement released Sunday, the Bears indicated that they already have “an excellent option” but remain open to assessing additional parcels within the Wolf Lake region. The organization described the soil testing as a routine part of the site evaluation process, aimed at identifying the best possible location to serve the broader Chicagoland area.

Earlier this month, the Bears' board of directors voted to advance plans for relocating the team to Hammond. However, the board stopped short of formally committing to constructing a stadium at a specific site. The team acknowledged the need to finalize the exact land parcel near Wolf Lake before moving forward.

The Wolf Lake Terminal area currently contains storage facilities and various businesses. The Bears also retain ownership of 326 acres in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where they have long planned to build a stadium. The team has stated it remains open to continuing discussions with Illinois legislators about that property, though concerns over property taxes have led the organization to broaden its stadium search into Indiana.

The move toward Indiana gained momentum after the Indiana Legislature approved the creation of the Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority in February. This authority is intended to assist with the financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a stadium in Hammond.

As the Bears explore these options, the soil testing marks a significant step in the site evaluation process, reflecting the team’s ongoing efforts to identify a viable location that balances logistical, financial, and community considerations.