Gary, Indiana, outlines three sites for new Chicago Bears stadium

The big picture: The renderings are the latest measure that the state of Indiana is serious about building a stadium for the Bears.

Zoom: Gary’s proposal calls for a 30-minute commute from downtown and similar commutes from southwest Michigan. It focuses on three possible sites:

• Gary west end: This location is near the Hard Rock Casino, which is the most profitable gaming site in Indiana.
• Buffington Harbour: It’s a lakefront location, which would place the new stadium along the shores of Lake Michigan, much like Soldier Field in Chicago. It is also closer to the Indiana Toll Road and the South Shore Train.
• Miller Beach: Chicagoans are familiar with Miller Beach because it’s right next to the Indiana Dunes. This potential location already welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Flashback: This isn’t the first time the city of Gary has tried to move the Bears. The team and the city flirted with a potential new stadium site in 1994 before the team decided to stay put and renovate Soldier Field.

• “Thirty years later, Gary is in an even better place,” Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said in a statement. “Gary’s proposal gives the Bears the fiscal certainty and stability that the organization believes is key to success.”

The plot: The fiscal certainty and stability Melton is referring to is a boost to Illinois lawmakers, who have not offered taxpayer dollars to fund a new stadium or stadium district.

Yes, but: As the new spring session begins in Springfield, state lawmakers may soften their stance, including Gov. JB Pritzker, who has said he is open to discussing infrastructure improvements around the Arlington Heights site where the Bears want to build a stadium district.

• Arlington Heights officials and some Illinois lawmakers on Friday urged Springfield to consider passing a massive infrastructure bill.
• “We cannot let this opportunity pass,” said Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia.