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CHICAGO (WLS) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun is making a concerted effort to entice the Chicago Bears to build their new stadium in his state.
Governor Braun highlighted this initiative during his State of the State address on Wednesday evening.
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Amid ongoing discussions between the Bears and Illinois officials, Braun seized the opportunity to publicly express Indiana’s interest in hosting the team.
“Given our favorable business climate, it comes as no surprise that the Chicago Bears recognize Indiana is open for business,” Braun remarked.
His announcement was met with applause as he emphasized Indiana’s commitment to advancing plans for a new Bears stadium.
“We are diligently working to bring the Chicago Bears to the Hoosier State, demonstrating what an excellent place Indiana is for business,” Braun stated. “We’ll put in the effort to make it happen. Let’s see this through to completion.”
Braun’s comments during his formal State of the State address came as the Bears survey season ticket holders about a potential new stadium in Northwest Indiana and days after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looked at proposed stadium locations in Indiana and Arlington Heights.
READ MORE | Bears send survey to season ticket holders, asking if they would support potential move to Indiana; sources say NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell toured potential stadium sites in NW Indiana, Arlington Heights over weekend
“We’re going to make sure that we do the best that we can for the Bears, but most of all that we’re not wasting taxpayer money,” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said.
Governor Pritzker says talks continue with the team about public money.
“Some of the infrastructure needs that the Bears are identifying as their needs are actually needs of the area around Arlington Heights,” Pritzker said. “So I think that gives me some optimism that really there is a package that could be put together that would help with infrastructure.”
“As a condition of public money, Pritzker wants the Bears to pay off hundreds of millions of dollars in remaining debt from Soldier Field’s 2003 renovation.
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