The Chicago Bears are (probably) not going to move to Indiana but Gary is hoping for consideration as the NFL franchise reviews its options for a new stadium. Mayor Eddie Melton believes his city’s proposal deserves a serious look.
It is titled ‘The Ultimate Comeback Story.’
Although I find it extremely hard to believe that one of the most storied organizations in the National Football League would move to a historically dangerous (but rapidly improving) city in a different state, I admire the effort. Gary sees this as an opportunity to revive a part of the country that has been cratered by the decline of steel.
The Chicago Bears need want a new stadium.
There are a lot of reasons for the Chicago Bears to move out of Soldier Field. It has just as much to do with greed as it does logistics.
If we were to say the Bears need a new stadium, it would be because the current stadium is outdated. Soldier Field opened in 1924. It underwent a brief renovation in the early 2000s but that was it.
Parking is an absolute nightmare and public transportation is practically nonexistent. There are no modern amenities and a lack of bathrooms. The concessions are mediocre at best. Poor field conditions also continue to be a point of frustration for players.
Not only that, but Soldier Field is the smallest stadium by capacity in the NFL for one of the biggest cities. And it gets extremely cold.
If we were to say the Bears want a new stadium, it would be because the current stadium is not making enough money.
The city of Chicago owns Soldier Field so the team does not get a cut of any non-football events, like concerts. A new stadium would be owned entirely by the team, which guarantees more revenue. More tickets. More concessions. All of it would go right back to the NFL organization and not to the city.
The Bears would also be able to build an entertainment district nearby the new stadium, like Wrigleyville. The team would own the entertainment district as another source of income.
A dome is one of the biggest factors in the move. A domed stadium would give Chicago the chance to host more major events like the Super Bowl and/or the Final Four. More major events means more money.
Move to Indiana!
The Chicago Bears are considering all of their options for a new stadium. That includes a move to Indiana.
As it currently stands, Soldier Field is only 15 miles from the Illinois/Indiana border. There are a number of NFL teams with stadiums that are not in the same city as the team. For example, Gillette Stadium is located 30 miles away from downtown Boston. The New York Jets and Giants play in New Jersey.
You get the idea. It would not be crazy for the Bears to play in northern Indiana.
Arlington Heights, Illinois is the target location for a new domed stadium. The Bears already own the land. They don’t want to move outside of (greater) Chicago.
However, negotiations with the state over public funding and infrastructure improvements have stalled. Indiana is offering major tax incentives, public funding and a state commission that is singularly focused on attracting major sporting events.
This exploration of Indiana is likely a negotiation tactic. Will Illinois allow the Bears to move to Indiana?
Gary made its pitch.
Gary, Indiana is located 30 miles east of Soldier Field. It wants the Bears to consider three different parts of the city for the build of a domed stadium. All three sites are ready for immediate development.
The Gary West End Entertainment District is adjacent to Hard Rock Casino, the highest-grossing gaming location in Indiana. Bluffington Harbor presents a premier waterfront location with established infrastructure and quick access to transportation. Miller Beach sits next to miles of sandy beaches.
Mayor Eddie Melton wants Gary to be considered as part of the greater “Chicagoland area.”
“Just because we have this invisible boarder line does not stop us from working together,” he said.
Gary, Indiana was a steel empire in the 1960s. It rose fast and fell harder. A city that was once considered the heart of America’s Rust Belt very quickly became known as “the most miserable city in America.”
Gary’s total crime rate was approximately 75% higher than the U.S. national average. It had the highest murder rate in the United States as of 2023.
But things are getting a lot better!
Melton is very proud of how far his city has come in such a short period of time. A historic reduction in violent crime has led to the first increase in population since 1975. Murder rates are WAY down.
“We’re seeing an influx of more Chicago residents looking at Gary, Indiana, and building new homes. We are making it inviting and enticing to grow the population and making it safe and secure,” Melton said.
To land the Bears would be a huge step in the right direction. I don’t know if the three proposed locations are going to work, or if the state of Illinois will let organization leave, but Gary is fighting hard. Respect!