Sen. Durbin does not support taxpayers paying for some of the Chicago Bears’ new stadium 

Posted on May 22, 2024
The proposed stadium would be next to Soldier Field. (Photo courtesy: Chicago Bears/X)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – A proposal from the Chicago Bears could put taxpayers on the hook for billions of dollars to build a new domed stadium. 

The Bears unveiled a stadium mock-up earlier this year to replace Soldier Field. 

But for Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, the new multibillion-dollar lakefront proposal could be a long shot without taxpayer support. 

“I’m a big Bears fan,” the Democratic Whip told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “But, you know, when these people make all this money, the value of their team goes up by billions of dollars. For them to turn around and say to the taxpayers,’ Now you foot the bill for some fancy new luxury box,’ which you as a taxpayer would never be able to afford. 

You couldn’t go to watch a game in that respect. I’m old-fashioned when it comes down to this. I like Soldier Field and I don’t like the new version of it.” 

The Bears plan to provide more than $2 billion of their own money to build the stadium. 

However, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is not buying it, telling reporters taxpayers would not fund the project. 

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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