Arts & Entertainment
Indiana Lawmakers Continue Pushing for Bears Stadium: ‘Let’s Get It Moving’
The blitz is on as Indiana pushes to become the new home of the Chicago Bears.
State lawmakers there are considering Senate Bill 27, which would allow a government authority to buy land and finance the construction of a new NFL stadium.
The bill passed out of Indiana’s Senate last week by a 46-2 vote and now heads to the state House. It has the support of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun — and Bears leadership.
“We appreciate the leadership and responsiveness of Governor Braun and Indiana lawmakers in advancing a framework that allows these conversations to move forward productively,” the Bears said following SB27’s introduction.
Indiana state Rep. Earl Harris Jr., a Democrat and co-sponsor of SB27 whose district includes East Chicago, joined “Chicago Tonight” to discuss Indiana’s efforts to court the Bears.
WTTW News: What would a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority be allowed to do?
Harris: That body really will be responsible for a lot of the financial things. So in terms of purchases of lands that are necessary, construction and leases — anything in that realm, this body will take care of and make sure of. It’s another step in the process of drawing the Bears and attracting them to come to northwest Indiana.
What have you heard from constituents, either yours or other Indiana residents, about the possibility of a Bears stadium in Indiana?
Harris: It’s a lot of excitement. I’m at the statehouse, and almost every day I’m asked about it. When I’m at home, when we’re back for the weekend, whether it’s family, whether it’s friends, whether I’m at the gym, people are excited about the opportunity of the Bears coming in. When you look at it, East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, where I live and represent, we watch Chicago television. People are Bears, Bulls, Sox, Cubs and Blackhawks fans because that’s what we see and that’s what we’re close to. So a lot of excitement about this.
The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority still owes more than $500 million in principal and interest from the Soldier Field renovations in 2003, as well as $50 million on the Sox ballpark that opened in 1991. Are you concerned about those potential financial obligations for Indiana taxpayers?
Harris: The reality is, Indiana does sports things like this very well. When you look at the Pacers, the Colts, the Speedway, we’re very good at figuring out a good financial plan that does not hurt the taxpayer. Those conversations are happening, and that work will continue, so that we can devise the best option for the Bears to come over and make sure that taxpayers don’t take a big hit.
A lot of Illinois lawmakers are saying a Bears stadium isn’t a top priority. They are focusing more on affordability rather than working with a fairly well-off franchise like the Bears. What do you make of that argument from your colleagues over here?
Harris: That argument has helped us. Indiana has a very good climate for business. We have been working on drawing more into northwest Indiana. A bill I authored that became law last year created a sports commission, so this fits in our wheelhouse. When you look at the governor, you look at the Senate, it doesn’t matter if you’re R or D, there’s so much excitement about this in Indiana. Nothing against Illinois, I love Chicago, but if they’re not as interested in keeping the Bears, we definitely are interested.
The Bears came out in support of SB27 when it was introduced. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell toured Indiana. Have you or your colleagues been in direct contact with the Bears, with the NFL itself?
Harris: There’s been a lot of conversation going on. Those are things that are happening. One of the things I’m glad you pointed out is that the NFL commissioner came to northwest Indiana. He’s a little busy, so the fact that he actually put feet on the ground in northwest Indiana and looked at the sites we’ve discussed, that means a lot.
Do you expect the bill authorizing the authority to pass before you adjourn in just a few weeks?
Harris: We’re going to be done in a few weeks. This is a short session for us. It’s moving; it’s already passed out of the Senate. It’s over with us in the House. It’s been assigned to Ways and Means, which is the committee I’m on. And so we’re expecting and hoping for it to be on the calendar soon, so we can discuss it and continue to move it through the process on the House side.
Should this bill pass and be signed into law, do you have any sense of how long it might take for an actual stadium deal to come together?
Harris: I’m going to presume that’s going to happen fast as well. Again, that’s how we work things here in Indiana, we want to get things done as soon as possible. Let’s get it locked in and let’s get it moving.
