House takes step to lure Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana

Northwest Indiana is taking its first steps toward potentially hosting a professional sports team, though the chances of attracting the Chicago Bears or another franchise remain slim. The Indiana House voted 83-6 in favor of House Bill 1292, which would create a 19-member Northwest Indiana Professional Sports Development Commission. This commission would study the feasibility of bringing a professional team, such as the Bears or another Chicago-based franchise, to the Region and develop a master plan for doing so. State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, highlighted the economic benefits, including job creation, revenue generation, and a new identity for Northwest Indiana, reports NWI.com.

While the proposal stops short of funding a stadium, Harris believes starting the conversation could complement ongoing infrastructure investments in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, and St. Joseph counties. The commission’s scope would not be limited to the Bears but would also evaluate opportunities to attract teams from the NBA, NHL, Major League Soccer, or Major League Baseball, including the Chicago White Sox. The idea for the commission was originally conceived by Harris’ late father, state Rep. Earl Harris Sr., and marks the first time the Indiana House has approved such legislation. The proposal now moves to the Senate for consideration.