While searching for a location for a new domed stadium, the Bears don’t need to call a Hail Mary pass; they have an ideal choice in Aurora, our state’s second-largest and fastest-growing economy.
Our city’s vision and professional know-how make Aurora the natural choice for the Bears’ next era. Instead of negotiating with local and state officials over where the money for a new lakefront stadium in Chicago will come from, we’re poised to immediately welcome the Bears’ storied franchise to the City of Lights.
The prospects of litigation, funding challenges and competing interests mean that negotiations with any other city could last years. Aurora will move now on a magnificent domed stadium that benefits everyone. We have properties ripe for development and incentives that are unmatched. Fans won’t be reading about stalled negotiations or potential lawsuits if the Bears choose Aurora. That’s because we’re on a winning streak and view a new Bears stadium as our next successful play. Please understand — we aren’t simply trying to get in the game. We are saying loudly, “We want you here.”
Aurora has many advantages that few communities in Illinois can match.
Our community is closer and more accessible than most people realize. Whether commuting by car, rail or plane, Aurora has the infrastructure to welcome everyone to our ever-expanding community. With three major interstate interchanges, two of the most used Metra stops in Illinois and easy access to two international airports and one regional airport, visitors can get here from anywhere.
Our vision and professional acumen are the backbone of our newly envisioned entertainment district. Anchored by a $400 million expansion and revision of the Hollywood Casino, the Aurora Entertainment District will be home to a new 225-room premier hotel and 12,000 square feet of event space, a 1,000-space parking garage, and a host of restaurant and entertainment venues. Building on this success, we are actively reimagining our historic downtown, adding hundreds of new residential units along the picturesque Fox River, investing in the look and feel of the pedestrian experience and enhancing our entertainment offerings by growing our historic Paramount Theatre’s Broadway series shows. Aurora is the future happening right now.
Aurora is the second-largest city in Illinois because of its unwavering determination to partner with businesses, including our favorite sports franchise, to build its new home. Aurora doesn’t let the future happen; we create it. Our shopping center, the Aurora Premium Outlet Mall, continues to grow with millions of visitors a year.
Aurora’s investment in its future began with a major investment in its infrastructure, including the Midwest’s best broadband internet access and digital infrastructure. Our fiber optic network is among the largest in Illinois, including most of the Midwest. Aurora’s cutting-edge connectivity is critically vital for businesses, education and our community to connect Aurora to the world’s business and education communities.
Aurora continues to attract a diverse mix of people, offering so much to our culture and community — we call it One Aurora. Our success is because our community focuses on what we believe is important to every American in this country: safety, education and the economy.
Our mayor calls it SEE:
• Safety: Everybody wants to live in a safe community. We have a strong, community-supported police department that is committed to providing “peace officers” to our residents.
• Education: All parents want their kids to have opportunities for the future, starting with an excellent school system.
Economy: Everybody wants a good job, great businesses and lower taxes.
Aurora has it all going on!
Richard Irvin is the mayor of Aurora. State Sen. Linda Holmes represents the 42nd District. State Rep. Barbara Hernandez represents the 50th District. Matt Rasche is the assessor for Naperville Township.
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