The Chicago Bears unveiled their ambitious plans for a new $4.6 billion stadium complex along the lakefront south of Soldier Field. A video presentation showcased a domed building surrounded by well-crafted landscaping meant to enhance the fan experience. It was an impressive display. However, team president Kevin Warren and his people had to believe Illinois politicians wouldn't be eager to engage on such a proposal. After all, the state government isn't exactly known for treating its sports teams well over the years.
That doesn't seem on the cusp of changing anytime soon. Resistance to the Bears' plan started almost immediately. Governor J.B. Pritzker's people made it clear the offer was a "non-starter" as it is, citing limited proof such a project offers anything to the taxpayers who will end up funding a large portion of it. This false start has led to limited activity. Now, it appears the organization will have to wait a long time before they can make another strong push. Dan Petrella from the Chicago Tribune had the latest.
It seems the state lawmakers aren't in any rush to address the Bears' situation.
The Chicago Bears’ appeal for more than $2 billion in public assistance to build a new domed stadium on a reimagined lakefront is on hold until at least the fall, high-ranking Democratic lawmakers confirmed Saturday.
With state lawmakers still grappling with the state budget after blowing their self-imposed Friday deadline, state Sen. Bill Cunningham of Chicago, the No. 3 Democrat in the Senate, said there would be no action on the team’s request before the legislature adjourns for the spring.
State Rep. Kam Buckner of Chicago, a member of House Democratic leadership, likewise said the team’s quest for a new home to replace aging Soldier Field, which lies in his district, isn’t on the legislative agenda in the waning days of session.
“It’s fair to say that there won’t be any Bears action … in this legislative session, which I think is fine,” Buckner said Saturday at the Illinois State Capitol. “I think a proposal of this magnitude deserves sunlight and scrutiny. And very often what has happened in this building is that things get rammed through at the last minute without much public input or transparency.
“So I welcome conversations that will probably begin to happen once we’re done here.”
The Chicago Bears must use the coming months to plan.
Warren is widely known for his negotiating ability. This opening salvo with the stadium presentation was merely the first salvo, a way to gauge where the state government is at. With that in mind, he likely has a good idea of what adjustments to the proposal must be made to close the gap between the two sides on a deal. The obvious sticking point is how much money the Bears need from public money to make the stadium happen. Internal projections have they and the NFL footing around 72% of the bill. While that is high for sports organizations, it isn't enough in Pritzker's eyes.
From here, it becomes a staring context. Who blinks first? If the Chicago Bears do, they will likely have to do one of two things: pay more of the bill than planned or cut their losses and revert to Arlington Heights. If the state does, the Bears will get most of the tax breaks they are hoping for to get the public backing they need. They could try to create some leverage by threatening to leave the state entirely for a new city, but nobody would ever buy that. The Bears have been in Chicago for over a century, and the NFL isn't likely to support such a move.
Warren may have to get creative to close this deal.
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