Proposed Chicago Bears stadium seems to be a long shot without Springfield support 

Posted on April 25, 2024
The proposed stadium would be a dome concept. (Photo courtesy: Chicago Bears/Twitter)

By Blake Haas 

CHICAGO – A proposed Chicago Bears stadium could be a long shot without the backing of Governor Pritzker and Springfield leaders. 

During a Wednesday press conference, Chicago Bears executives unveiled a multibillion-dollar stadium mock-up that would replace Soldier Field. 

However, the Bears want to use a 2% hotel tax in Chicago to pay for some of the stadium. 

“Wealthy owners of sports teams, I respect that they run private businesses, and they want them profitable, and they want constantly to provide better facilities for their customers, but I don’t think that should be the highest priority for the state of Illinois,” said Gov. Pritzker during an unrelated press conference. 

The problem with using the hotel tax is it’s not enough. The Bears need millions to pay off the Soldier Field renovations 20 years ago. 

“The Governor and the State Senate Leader and the Speaker of the (Illinois) House all don’t support it,” Bob McCoppin, a Chicago Tribune reporter, told WJBC’s Scott Miller. “I don’t see how they (Chicago Bears) are going to get it approved by Springfield, which they would need to make this happen. 

WATCH: Chicago Bears leadership announce plans for a new stadium.

Just over a year ago, the Bears made a significant financial move, spending nearly $200 million to purchase a shuttered horse race track in Arlington Heights. This acquisition indicated the Bear’s plans to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. 

At the time, the Bears envisioned building a stadium over a 300-acre lot. 

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected]. 

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