Gary Declares Itself Open for Business, Eyes Chicago Bears

City leaders highlight major investments and aim to lure the Bears from Chicago

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Mayor of Gary, Indiana, declared his city "open for business" and is pursuing the Chicago Bears with three proposed stadium sites, branding the effort "The Ultimate Comeback." Officials said that regardless of whether the Bears relocate, Gary is experiencing significant economic growth, including up to $3.1 billion in planned U.S. Steel investments.

Why it matters

Gary has long struggled with economic challenges, but the city's efforts to attract the Bears and highlight major business investments signal a potential turnaround. Luring the Bears could provide a significant economic boost, but Gary also faces competition from neighboring cities in Indiana.

The details

During a fireside chat, Mayor Eddie Melton and leaders from U.S. Steel, the Gary/Chicago International Airport, and Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana touted Gary's economic momentum and efforts to attract the Bears. The city has identified three potential stadium sites, and officials say landing the team would build on Gary's industrial base and transportation assets. Even if the Bears don't relocate, Gary is seeing major investments, including up to $3.1 billion from U.S. Steel.

  • The fireside chat hosted by Mayor Melton and business leaders took place on February 11, 2026.
  • Conceptual drawings of the proposed stadium sites were released last month.

The players

Eddie Melton

The Mayor of Gary, Indiana, who declared the city "open for business" and is pursuing the Chicago Bears with three proposed stadium sites.

Daniel M. Killeen

The General Manager of U.S. Steel, the largest employer in Gary, who said the company is spending $900 million on its facility with a path to spend $3.1 billion.

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Gary referenced him, saying "I'm looking at you, Brandon Johnson. It's the Gary - Chicago Airport."

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What they’re saying

“I'm not blind to the stigma some communities and some people have about Gary…Gary has the audacity to say it can be the next home of the Chicago Bears.”

— Eddie Melton, Mayor of Gary, Indiana (fox32chicago.com)

“We're spending $900 million on this facility with a path to spend $3.1 billion.”

— Daniel M. Killeen, General Manager of U.S Steel (fox32chicago.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Gary's efforts to attract the Bears and highlight major business investments signal a potential turnaround for the city, which has long struggled with economic challenges. Luring the Bears could provide a significant economic boost, but Gary also faces competition from neighboring cities in Indiana.