The Indianapolis Colts have carved out a unique spot in the NFL. The team is sandwiched between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears from southeast to northwest, and the Colts get to own the state of Indiana. Where taxes are paid is important, after all.
That is because an NFL team provides jobs not only for the organization, but for the city that is home to its stadium. The jobs needed to host a football game are great, of course. Concessions, parking, and road management all play a part on gameday. That naturally creates a built-in structure for a long-term fanbase.
This is why the recent news that the Bears could possibly be moving their home games from Chicago to northwest Indiana is a big deal. The state belongs to the Colts and not the Bears. Yet. The Bears are not a normal team because they have a massive, historic fanbase.
Indianapolis Colts should feel nervous about the Chicago Bears moving into their territory
And no offense to the Colts, of course, but the team shouldn't want the Bears encroaching in its territory. The former Chicago team would be making jobs for Hoosiers, and some of those Hoosiers could eventually transfer their loyalty from the Colts to the Bears.
The issue has to do with money, of course. The Bears want to move out of Chicago and ancient Soldier Field to potentially Arlington Heights, Illinois. The team doesn't necessarily want tax money to pay for the new stadium, but does want a commitment from state officials to help with infrastructure. Team owners also want a property tax break.
Moreover, the new stadium would have a roof, which would create opportunities for other events, such as concerts. In other words, the longtime Chicago Bears will basically become the Indiana Bears, and that could affect the Colts' overall reach.
Or, perhaps, a happy accident will happen. Instead of the Bears stealing the dollars of the Colts, both teams will rise to yearly powers with the potential that they could meet in the Super Bowl. That would obviously be great for the state, should the Bears truly move to Indiana. If that happens, the Indianapolis Colts could have their revenge against the Northwest Indiana Bears.