CHICAGO (WLS) — In a recent communication to Chicago Bears season ticket holders, team President Kevin Warren mentioned exploring the option of constructing a new stadium in Northwest Indiana. Although Warren insisted this wasn’t intended as a bargaining tactic with Illinois, the situation appears to be unfolding in that direction.
As Indiana legislators race to attract the NFL team, Illinois officials are strategizing discreetly to ensure the Bears remain in their state.
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Hammond, Indiana, near Wolf Lake, offers ample land that experts believe could be an ideal spot for a new Bears stadium. Indiana lawmakers are actively working to present a financially appealing package to support this development.
During a Thursday meeting in Indianapolis, the state senate finance committee unanimously endorsed a proposal to create a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority. This entity would function similarly to the one responsible for constructing the Indianapolis Colts’ venue.
“This initiative is reportedly modeled after the Lucas Oil Stadium deal, serving as its blueprint,” explained State Senator Chris Garten from Indiana District 45.
While Indiana’s legislators push forward rapidly, Illinois counterparts appear to be re-evaluating their stance. Although the Bears would cover the multi-billion-dollar expense of building a stadium in Arlington Heights, Illinois lawmakers have yet to plan for the infrastructure enhancements that would be needed by 2026.
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“It’s amazing how quickly this has turned around,” Sportscorp Ltd CEO Marc Ganis said. “From two years of no activity, to activity the Tazmanian Devil would be proud of.”
The Bears’ strategy appears similar to the Kansas City Chiefs. After talks stalled to stay in Missouri at Arrowhead Stadium, they are now planning to move across state lines to build a new stadium in Kansas.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun is hoping for a big political win by luring the Bears across the border.
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Danny Ecker has followed the Bears stadium talks for Crain’s Chicago Business.
“Illinois Governor JB Pritzker now says he’s open to helping keep the Bears by funding infrastructure improvements in Arlington Heights,” Ecker said. “It’s uncertain how quickly the legislature is willing to move forward, however.”
“Indiana is gonna come in strong so it’s going to be an interesting next six weeks,” Ganis said.
Ganis says the Bears success on the field this season gives them a stronger bargaining position as well. He says they have become America’s team, and Illinois doesn’t want to lose America’s team.
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