After Indiana gambit, Bears signal progress in Illinois
The back and forth comes as the team tries to advance legislation in two states without making public comments that could sour relationships or scuttle talks on either side of the border.
Sports Business
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Q&A: How a welding company ventured into specialty golf equipment
Michael VanDeventer and Ted Roark of Roark Custom Golf Works talked with IBJ about the company’s foray into golf clubs and what it means to lead a family business into the 21st century.
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‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’: Hammond mayor ready for Bears stadium
The Bears are prepared to invest about $2 billion for the stadium project in Hammond, according to Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers.
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Audio engineer works on Olympic telecasts without leaving Indianapolis studio
Brice Bowman adds the finishing touches to features that take viewers “up close and personal” to Olympic athletes.
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UPDATE: Amended bill paves way for potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond
As amended Thursday, Senate Bill 27 creates a financial framework for the construction of a new stadium and puts to rest speculation as to where that stadium might be built.
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Articles
Report: Curt Cignetti inks another deal with IU, cementing him among highest-paid college coaches
ESPN reported Friday that the new contract does not change the length of his agreement with the university, but it does increase his annual salary by about $1.6 million.
Indy stadium board distributes survey seeking feedback on Major League Soccer effort
Indianapolis has been in pursuit of an MLS club since April 2024, when Mayor Joe Hogsett announced the city’s intent to use the Indianapolis Downtown Heliport in a stadium and mixed-use district.
March Madness could expand, but talks won’t happen until after tournaments
NCAA President Charlie Baker reaffirmed his support for expanding March Madness from 68 teams — the current size of the men’s tournament since 2011 and the women’s tourney since 2022.
Pritzker ‘surprised, dismayed and very disappointed’ as Bears tout Indiana progress
The governor said his staff, legislators and Bears representatives met Wednesday for three hours to discuss legislation that might be needed for the team to build a stadium in Arlington Heights.
Chicago Bears affirm interest in Hammond as House considers amended stadium bill
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Bears said they are “committed” to continuing their exploration of a targeted development site near Hammond.
UPDATE: Bears zero in on Hammond site as committee prepares to vote on new stadium language
The moves come with just more than a week left in Indiana’s legislative session and as Illinois lawmakers consider legislation meant to keep the NFL team in that state.
Bears stadium search sparks development interest in northwest Indiana
The possibility of a Chicago Bears stadium in northwest Indiana is already accelerating development planning and drawing new investor attention, according to local officials and development experts.
Bears stadium package has ‘positive momentum’ in Illinois capitol, but hasn’t reached end zone
Illinois lawmakers say a long-stalled proposal to help the Chicago Bears build a domed stadium in Arlington Heights is seeing renewed urgency as Indiana advances competing legislation backed by Gov. Mike Braun to lure the team across state lines.
Mike Epps predicts champions will emerge from his boxing gym
In addition to buying a cluster of homes in the Kennedy-King neighborhood, actor-comedian Epps purchased a former auto body and paint shop to house his his boxing gym.
‘Playmakers with Dave Calabro’ launching on IBJ Media Podcast Network
The twice-a-month podcast will feature in-depth conversations with prominent figures in sports.
Pacers fined $100K for holding out starters in Feb. 3 matchup with Utah Jazz
The NBA’s player participation policy was put in place in September 2023 to try to discourage clubs from purposely losing in order to improve their chances with the draft lottery.
IMS says 110th Indianapolis 500 could sell out in early May
IMS and IndyCar President Doug Boles said at this point in the year, ticket sales are ahead of last year when the race sold out.
Key state lawmaker casts doubt on Indianapolis’ aspirations for MLS stadium
For the second time in as many months, a state lawmaker is questioning the city’s chances of financing a potential Major League Soccer stadium.
IndyCar locks in Honda and Chevrolet with new deals, ending 2 years of Honda exit talk
This multiyear announcement extends Chevrolet’s participation in IndyCar, where it has won nine of 14 championships since returning to the series in 2012. Honda began IndyCar competition in 1994 and has been an engine supplier for over 30 years.
Portage pitches $5B lakefront stadium, entertainment district to Chicago Bears
Halas Harbor, named for the team’s founder, George Halas, is being billed as a privately funded, shovel-ready site that could break ground as early as June of this year.
Portage mayor to make pitch for Chicago Bears stadium site
Portage is the latest community to throw its hat into the ring following a December announcement from Chicago Bears CEO Kevin Warren that the team is expanding its search for a new stadium site to include northwest Indiana.
US figure skater Amber Glenn resolves copyright issue with a Canadian music artist at the Olympics
The process for obtaining copyright permission is confusing and prone to mistakes, and several skaters at the Milan Cortina Games have had to change programs at the last minute because of it.
Illinois governor says Bears’ Indiana gambit is real — and talks are moving
Gov. JB Pritzker said there is “a lot of discussion, a lot of ongoing conversation with the Bears” to try to keep the team playing in Illinois.
City disputes Chuck Surack’s claims that MLS effort is dead
Surack told Fox 59/CBS 4 over the weekend that in 2025 he was told by those involved in the effort that the stadium plan was no longer moving forward. He said he heard similar remarks from city hall.