Portage Makes Bold Pitch at Marina Shores for
Chicago Bears Stadium “Halas Harbor”

PORTAGE, IN — February 11, 2026 — Today, local and regional leaders convened at the Marina Shores at Dune Harbor Yacht Club & Event Center to unveil a strategic proposal aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears to northwest Indiana. The press conference focused on a visionary development concept dubbed “Halas Harbor” a proposed lakeside stadium and mixed-use district that would integrate sports, entertainment, and economic development on the shores of Lake Michigan.

What Was Announced

Portage Mayor Austin Bonta led the presentation, outlining the city’s comprehensive site proposal for the Bears’ future home. The initiative leverages more than 300 acres of city-owned land north of I-94, adjacent to the Burns Waterway, and within a prime transit hub featuring lake, rail, and highway access. Officials characterized Halas Harbor as an economically transformative opportunity for the region.

Mayor Bonta emphasized Portage’s strategic geography and the community’s readiness to support major development. He framed the proposal as a compelling alternative to discussions currently underway in neighboring Illinois, where leaders are also negotiating with Bears representatives about a potential Arlington Heights location.

Economic and Regional Impact

Speakers at the press event highlighted the potential economic impact of a Halas Harbor project, including:

• Job creation across construction, operations, and tourism sectors

• Increased regional visibility and tourism traffic along the Lake Michigan corridor

• Mixed-use development opportunities integrating retail, entertainment, and waterfront access

Under the proposal, funding mechanisms would include public-private partnerships, with incentives and infrastructure support to be discussed with Indiana state legislators.

Competitive Landscape

Despite the bold presentation in Portage, negotiations remain active in Illinois, where Bears ownership and state leaders are discussing financing and infrastructure support for a stadium in Arlington Heights. Illinois officials have publicly reiterated their commitment to keeping the franchise in the state, suggesting that a final decision could come within the next few weeks.

What’s Next

Portage officials stated they will continue working with lawmakers and economic development partners to advance the Halas Harbor concept through legislative sessions and feasibility planning. The outcome of the Bears’ broader stadium decision, which involves economic, logistical, and community considerations, remains uncertain.

Marina Shores Welcomes a future Halas Harbor

Marina Shores is energized by the momentum surrounding the Halas Harbor proposal and the vision presented for the future of our region. The possibility of welcoming a development of this scale to the Lake Michigan shoreline represents far more than a stadium discussion; it signals opportunity for local businesses, expanded tourism, job creation, and meaningful investment in Northwest Indiana.

As a waterfront destination built on hospitality, recreation, and community connection, Marina Shores recognizes the transformative potential a project like this could generate for residents, visitors, and partners throughout Portage and beyond. We are proud to serve as a gathering place for conversations that imagine bold growth and new experiences along our shoreline, and we look forward to supporting initiatives that strengthen the economic vitality of our community.