Executives from the White Sox and Bears are advocating for public assistance to secure funding for new stadiums. The White Sox are pursuing state funding for a new stadium in the South Loop, while the Bears are exploring financing options for a new stadium south of Soldier Field on Chicago’s lakefront.
Rendering of Sox stadium in The 78 via Related Midwest
Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn submitted an ordinance to the City Clerk’s office in March, urging the City Council to place a referendum on the November ballot. This referendum aims to let voters decide whether their tax dollars should fund stadium construction projects. Quinn emphasized the importance of giving Chicago residents a voice in this matter. The referendum specifically addresses the proposed stadium projects for the White Sox and Bears.
Quinn commissioned a poll through Blueprint Polling before filing the ordinance. According to the results, 65% of voters opposed taxpayer subsidies, with 25% in favor and the remainder undecided as reported by NBC Chicago.
Rendering of Sox stadium in The 78 via Related Midwest
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do not allow the bears to use protected lakefront land
for their greedy grab
Yes, protect the parking lots.
Thanks to this way of thinking, we missed out on the Museum of Narrative Art.
While I’m not a fan of using public funds for privately owned teams, the proposal calls to actually increase the amount of park land, given the reduction in other uses. There are reasons to not support the project, but a reduction in park land isn’t one of them.
To respectfully disagree, the increase in parkland comes from the unfunded and unrealistic demolition of most of Soldier Field (except the historic columns and war memorial sections). Without that, we’ll lose open space on the lakefront. Yes, it’s already a parking lot, but that could be convereted back into parkland for a lot less money and a lot more benefit.
Hell no will be my vote. Both are Private corporations. Get a loan like we all do. Unbelievable they even consider asking for taxpayers money considering Chicago’s crumbling infrastructure and lack of funding for everything.
I don’t like giving my tax dollars to sports teams as I’m generally not interested in them but I’d rather put it here so the 78 can finally get off the ground than put it toward a stupid lakefront Bears stadium
The stadiums aren’t just used for sports. Lots of concerts and events would be hosted. That’s more tax revenue for the city.
But I get the opposition. We as Chicagoan’s are taxed the heck out of everything.
We need to address our infrastructure, homelessness, migrants, education system.
Don’t forget the huge bill for the airport.
The Bears are just using Chicago to pummel Arlington Heights into submission. They paid $197M for that land and tore down the structure. They would never be able to recoup that cost by selling it off, even piecemeal.
You don’t think that land can hold 1,500 homes that sell for $500,000 each? That would be a total sale price of $750,000,000. Subtract of construction costs and that is still a healthy profit.
Dear Bears and Sox execs: go f*** yourselves.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Here’s hoping that this decision is determined via a referendum rather than by elected officials; Chicago’s tax base doesn’t appear healthy enough to finance two stadiums that’ll cost upwards of three billion dollars and even if it was, it’s becoming increasingly evident that such investments do not actually do much to enhance the quality of life of residents. Investiture in schools, public infrastructure and other social benefits will pay dividends that stadiums, especially given the cost of mere entrance, are incapable of.
Ah yes, the old ‘socialize the cost, privatize the profit’ gimmick. No thanks, my taxes have subsidized too many billionaires as it stands.
How about put the money towards tutoring children who can’t read or write, or programs to help children succeed. Players of both teams make millions. Let them pay.
No public money should ever be put towards building a stadium for a professional sports team.
An utter and complete waste of money particularly a new sox park they can half fill the stadium they have.