BroBible
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.
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If we were to say the Bears need a new stadium, it would be because the current stadium is outdated.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.
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....
