With word that the Chicago Bears are considering new stadium options in Northwest Indiana, an elected official from the area who’s behind what some call the “Bears Bill” says the state is ready to work with the team and so does the Governor.
“This has brought a lot of new excitement,” said State Rep. Earl Harris Jr.
Earlier this year, Harris Jr. resurrected legislation written by his father about 30 years ago, when his father was an elected official, that was designed to attract a professional sports franchise at a time when the Bears were also considering a move.
It was passed in the spring, establishing the Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission.
Harris Jr. said after the announcement by the Bears that he’s excited about the possibility and so are many other in the state, Including Governor Mike Braun.
“Indiana is a great place on the economics, Harris told WBBM. “I mean, I love Chicago, but things on this side cost less, the excitement of this as I’ve gotten messages about the possibility of maybe, what we can to financially to help make this a little bit more enticing, so, I’m excited about what we can do.”
He said the name would have to stay he same. “Just like the New York Jets and New York Giants play in New Jersey,” he said, the Bears, if they decide to move to Northwest Indiana, I’d love to keep the name Chicago Bears because that’s just too classic of a name, can’t give that name up.”
Indiana Governor Mike Braun took to social media, writing, "The Chicago Bears recognize Indiana’s pro-business climate, and I am ready to work with them to build a new stadium.”
He wrote, “Let’s get it done."