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CHICAGO (WLS) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun is making a concerted effort to entice the Chicago Bears to consider Indiana as the site for their new stadium. In a move that highlights his state’s welcoming business climate, Braun made his intentions clear during his State of the State address on Wednesday night.
While discussions between the Bears and Illinois officials are ongoing, Braun seized the opportunity to publicly express Indiana’s interest in hosting the NFL team. It was a strategic moment to emphasize Indiana’s appeal as a viable option for the Bears’ potential relocation.
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“With our strong business environment, it’s not surprising that another organization has noticed that Indiana is open for business, the Chicago Bears,” Braun confidently declared, underscoring the state’s readiness to accommodate the team.
For those who want to get involved, fans are encouraged to showcase their Bears playoff spirit by submitting videos to ABC7 Chicago.
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To applause, Governor Braun said his state is working to move the ball forward on a new Bears stadium.
“We are working hard to bring the Chicago Bears to the Hoosier State so they can really see what a great place is to have a business,” Braun said. “We’ll work hard to do it. Let’s get it across the finish line.”
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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