Staff Reports
The Chicago Bears introduced their plan to construct a new stadium on the lakefront, seeking taxpayer funding for the project. The team proposed building a modern, domed stadium near their current home at Soldier Field, with plans to contribute over $2 billion toward the estimated $4.7 billion total cost. The Bears projected that the new complex would generate 43,000 construction jobs and produce $8 billion in economic impact, but some doubt has been cast on similar numbers provided by other professional sports teams.
Chicago Bears look for public financing in building a new stadium https://t.co/BnIuitxQA5 https://t.co/BnIuitxQA5
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) April 25, 2024
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed support for the stadium complex, suggesting it could host various events like school championships, concerts, and major tournaments. However, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and legislative leaders expressed reservations about using taxpayer dollars for the project. Governor Pritzker emphasized the need to protect taxpayer funds, while Senate President Don Harmon questioned the substantial gap in funding and echoed the governor’s skepticism. House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch also voiced skepticism, stating that the stadium funding request would not currently garner enough support for approval.
The Bears are seeking $1.5 billion in new bonding from the Illinois General Assembly to make the stadium plan a reality. Additionally, it was noted that taxpayers still owe over $600 million for previous renovations to Soldier Field and Guaranteed Rate Field, home to the White Sox. The article also mentioned the Bears’ failed negotiations for a new stadium site at the former Arlington National Racecourse property.
