Gary Mayor Prepares Game Plan for Chicago Bears

December 18, 2025

Today, the landscape of the Chicago Bears’ stadium search has shifted. By formally expanding their search to include Northwest Indiana, the Bears organization has acknowledged what we in Greater Gary have long understood: our region is no longer divided by an invisible state line—we are an integral part of the Chicago metropolitan fabric.

A comprehensive proposal is being developed by my team and the Gary Common Council, and we look forward to collaborating with Governor Braun and the Indiana General Assembly to bring the Bears to Gary.

Gary offers a unique "plug-and-play" opportunity for a project of this magnitude. With the Lake County Convention Center recently approved for a site adjacent to the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, we are already building a year-round entertainment district designed for high-capacity tourism and hospitality.

Gary isn't just a location; it's a strategic partner. With our access to I-80/94, the South Shore Line, the Gary International Airport, and large-scale contiguous land, we offer a level of connectivity and readiness that is rare in the Chicagoland region.

- Mayor Eddie Melton

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