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Gary, Indiana, Courts Chicago Bears with Stadium Proposal

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 17:46 GMT by NBC Chicago
      Locales: Indiana, Illinois, UNITED STATES

Gary, Indiana - February 3rd, 2026 - Gary Mayor Jerome Prince is making a direct appeal to Indiana lawmakers today, seeking support for a bold proposal to attract the Chicago Bears and a state-of-the-art stadium to the city. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, represents a critical juncture in the ongoing saga of the Bears' potential relocation from their historic home at Soldier Field.

The proposal, details of which remain largely confidential, centers around the construction of a publicly funded stadium and a comprehensive surrounding development project. City officials envision the stadium as a catalyst for economic revitalization, aiming to address decades of decline and breathe new life into Gary's economy. While the Bears are currently weighing multiple options, including remaining in Chicago, this move signifies a serious attempt by Gary to position itself as the frontrunner.

Mayor Prince, in an interview with NBC Chicago on Monday, underscored the significance of today's meeting. "I think it's an opportunity for us to show Indiana that Gary is a serious contender," he stated, emphasizing the need to demonstrate the city's readiness and the potential benefits of hosting the NFL franchise. The meeting's primary focus will be on outlining the anticipated economic impact - projecting job creation, increased tax revenue, and a surge in tourism - and assessing the overall feasibility of the massive undertaking.

This isn't a last-minute scramble; discussions have been ongoing for months. State Representative Randy Felzenberg (R-Indianapolis) revealed that his team has been diligently working on evaluating the potential deal. "We want to make sure we've done our due diligence and we understand the potential impact on the state and local communities," Felzenberg explained. This suggests a degree of preliminary negotiation and planning has already taken place, with lawmakers carefully scrutinizing the financial implications and logistical challenges.

The situation in Chicago is proving to be a key driver for the Bears' exploration of alternatives. Negotiations surrounding improvements to Soldier Field have reportedly stalled, creating an opening for other cities to make their case. The Bears organization has been publicly quiet about specific plans, but sources indicate frustration with the constraints of the existing stadium and a desire for a more modern, revenue-generating facility. A move could be seen as crucial for the team's long-term financial health and competitive positioning within the NFL.

However, the path forward is far from certain. Public funding for stadiums remains a controversial issue, often drawing criticism from taxpayers who question the allocation of resources. The economic impact projections presented by Gary officials will be subjected to intense scrutiny, and lawmakers will likely demand guarantees that the benefits outweigh the costs. The potential displacement of existing businesses and residents in the proposed stadium zone will also require careful consideration and mitigation strategies.

The Bears themselves are remaining tight-lipped about the specifics of the negotiations. When contacted for comment, a team spokesperson declined to address the upcoming meeting with Indiana legislators, reinforcing the sensitive nature of the discussions. This silence adds to the speculation and underscores the high stakes involved.

Beyond the immediate economic benefits, successfully attracting the Bears would represent a significant symbolic victory for Gary. The city, once a thriving industrial hub, has faced decades of economic hardship and population decline. Hosting a major league sports franchise could rebrand Gary as a vibrant and attractive destination, attracting new investment and bolstering civic pride. It's a gamble with potentially huge rewards, but one that requires a carefully crafted strategy and unwavering political support. The meeting today is the first major public step in that endeavor, and all eyes will be on the Indiana Statehouse to see if Gary can convince lawmakers to take a chance on the Bears.